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City Lakes Get Monsoon Makeover: Desilting Underway
30 Jul
Summary
- Desilting works on Narayanapuram and Velachery lakes are underway.
- A three-day special drive targets key waterways and waterbodies.
- The initiative aims to improve flood mitigation and water recharge.
Chennai is actively preparing its water resources for the approaching Northeast monsoon. Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, N. Anand, has been overseeing a dedicated three-day desilting operation. This initiative focuses on clearing silt, debris, and invasive vegetation from vital waterways and waterbodies across the city.
Key areas receiving attention include stretches of the Cooum and Adyar rivers, Okkiyam Maduvu, the South Buckingham Canal, and importantly, the Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes. These efforts are supported by local NGOs and corporate social responsibility programs. The goal is to enhance the capacity of these water channels and mitigate potential flooding in flood-prone zones.
Velachery lake, a significant groundwater source covering approximately 22.40 hectares, is undergoing intensive cleaning. While the focus remains on flood prevention, local residents have voiced concerns about sewage discharge into the lake and are urging for its cessation and for stronger embankment reinforcement. Officials are also ensuring the swift completion of desilting work on the Adyar River and Buckingham Canal to guarantee free water flow before the monsoon begins.
