Otteri Lake Reaches Full Capacity, Boosting Water Supply in Vellore

As of November 16, 2025, the Otteri lake, a British-era man-made facility on the outskirts of Vellore, has reached its full storage capacity of 19 million liters per day (MLD) since the 2021 floods. The lake, which was built in 1904 to provide water to British troops stationed in Vellore fort, has been undergoing rejuvenation efforts by the Vellore Corporation.

Regular rainfall in the catchment areas of Palamathi, Kolavimedu, and Naickaneri tribal hamlets at Jawadhu Hills over the past several weeks has gradually increased the water level in the 19-acre lake. The full capacity of the lake helps to recharge the groundwater in the surrounding areas, and the water is also used to meet the domestic needs of residents within the Vellore Corporation limits.

As part of the rejuvenation process, the Vellore Corporation has removed the accumulated silt deposits in the lake, which can reach up to 45 centimeters annually. This silt removal has helped increase the lake's storage capacity and its ability to store excess rainwater during the monsoon season.

The Otteri lake's water is also used to irrigate farmlands in the surrounding villages, and residents in the area drill borewells near the lake to draw water for domestic use. The lake's full capacity has allowed the Corporation to draw water from most of the 24 borewells maintained around the lake, which was not possible earlier due to low groundwater levels.

With the lake's rejuvenation and the recent rainfall, the Vellore Corporation is now able to meet the town's total water demand of 80 MLD per day, with the household water consumption within the Corporation limits being supplied by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board.