Chennai has started a big effort to clear encroachments from Retteri Lake. The lake is crucial to North Chennai. But, the effort faces strong opposition from local residents. This move is part of a broader lake rejuvenation project. The project aims to fix the lake’s environmental degradation and water storage issues.
The Importance of Retteri Lake
Retteri Lake is one of the major water bodies in the western parts of Chennai. It is crucial for flood management. It also stores water and supplies drinking water to nearby areas. The lake has degraded over the years due to encroachments and pollution. This has necessitated a big project to fix it. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has taken on this initiative. It aims to restore the lake’s balance and improve its use for the city’s water system.
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What is the Retteri Lake Encroachment Clearance Project?
The Retteri Lake Rejuvenation Project is a full plan to improve the lake. It will increase its capacity and usefulness. The project has a budget of ₹43.19 crore. It focuses on key activities. These include desilting, strengthening bunds, building walls, and creating islands in the lake. The goal is to raise the lake’s storage from 33 mcft to 45 mcft. This will enhance flood management and water supply for nearby areas.
Why is the Encroachment Clearance Controversial?
Eviction notices were served to 55 houses built on the lake’s bund. They sparked protests from the affected residents. The residents argue that their displacement lacks fair compensation and resettlement plans. The encroachments have been a long-standing issue. They block water flow and cause pollution. This harms the lake. Tension prevailed at MGR Nagar, Puzhal. Encroached structures were razed following a court order to evict. A heavy police force was deployed at the site to do the long-pending exercise. They did it with the Revenue divisional office, North. The drive led to verbal spats between residents and officials. Some residents threatened to set themselves on fire. But, the police stopped them.
How is the Project Being Implemented?
The project began with WRD officials holding a meeting in November last year. They met with the revenue department, police, WRD, and residents. They met on the issue and court directive. The WRD had identified nearly 78 encroached structures at MGR Nagar in the water body. The exercise would be continued on Thursday as well. The department has earlier served eviction notices in 2019 as well.
What are the Benefits of the Retteri Lake Rejuvenation Project?
The project aims to improve Retteri’s capacity to 46 million cubic feet. This will allow it to be used as a buffer for Chennai’s water needs. The project includes work to strengthen the bund. It will build a three km wall. It will also add a new regulator for flood control. Chennai Metrowater has built the infrastructure to pump water to Kolathur from here.
How Will the Project Impact the Local Community and Environment?
Retteri Lake is key for Chennai’s water management. It is vital during the monsoons when it helps reduce flooding in nearby areas. Also, the restored lake will supply 10 million liters per day (MLD) of drinking water to nearby homes. These include Kolathur and Ambattur. This effort is part of Chennai’s broader strategy to make its water supply more secure. It will do this by restoring key water bodies.
What is the Future of Retteri Lake After the Rejuvenation Project?
The lake’s revival is expected to finish by March 2025. Most of the major work will be done before the next northeast monsoon. This timeline aims to ensure the lake can manage rainwater well. It will prevent flooding. This will help the local ecosystem. It will also help the city’s water supply. The remaining tasks, like building the wall, will come after the project is done. After, 10 MLD water from Retteri Lake will be used for drinking water. It will go to Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar and Ambattur (zones 6 and 7).
Conclusion
The clearing of encroachments from Retteri Lake was controversial. But, it is a critical step towards restoring this vital water body. It will also help secure Chennai’s water future. The project’s success hinges on balancing restoring the environment. This must be done with the needs and rights of the displaced residents. Many people will closely watch the project. Chennai still struggles with water management.