The Chennai Corporation has started expanding the area of waterbodies identified for eco-restoration. The civic body plans to restore 206 waterbodies ahead of the northeast monsoon, increasing their storage capacity. Survey of more than 50% of the waterbodies has been completed.
“Community participation is driving the expansion of many waterbodies,” said an official.
For example, officials prepared estimates for eco-restoration of Gangai Amman Koil pond in Injambakkam spread over one acre. “We were given NoC for just one acre, because it was originally believed that the waterbody was spread over one acre. When we visited the area, the local residents informed the actual area of the lake. It was expanded to three acres,” said an official.
Encroachments removed
The officials verified the field measurement book and removed a few encroachments.
Similarly, the area of Theeyambakkam Gandhi Nagar Pond was less than one acre. The area has increased to two acres. Revenue officials will mark the boundaries shortly.
Many compound walls along Rettaikuttai Eri in Puzhuthivakkam were demolished to expand the waterbody to 1.5 acres. “Buildings that have encroached upon the waterbody are yet to be demolished. Some persons have constructed houses also,” said an official.
“The area looked like barren land. After ecorestoration started, the waterbody has come out well. There is clear evidence that there was a waterbody many years ago,” said an official.
The work will be executed primarily by corporates as part of their corporate social responsibility.