Korattur Lake, or Korattur Aeri, is a lake spread over 990 acres in Korattur, Chennai. It is one of a chain of three water bodies, including the Ambattur Aeri and the Madhavaram Aeri, where surplus water from one is transported to another. The water from the lake had been supplied to Chennai residents for a brief period when there was a shortage in the late 1970s.
However, over the years, the lake has been contaminated with sewage and industrial effluents from surrounding areas such as Pattaravakkam, Athipet and Ambattur. Besides, severe encroachment has also resulted in decrease in its actual land area.
Thus, restoration of Korattur Lake is utmost essential because it is an important storage reservoir (mainly during flood control). And, the long-term plan for the restoration is demarcation of the lake’s boundary, removal of encroachments and augmentation of storage capacity. Apart, from these major works, an idea to create eco-park was also proposed.
Therefore, at a cost of ₹17 lakh, proposed eco-park on the left bank of the Korattur lake along the Water Canal Road was constructed. This fund was sponsored through “GST and Central Excise Office” via “Swachhta Action Plan (2020-21)” program. An event was organized before the start of the construction, wherein foundation stone was laid to inaugurate the commencement of eco-park construction. Foundation stone was unveiled by Shri. G.V. Krishna Rao, Chief Commissioner, GST and Central Excise, Tamil Nadu Zone, and in the presence of Shri. P. Anand Kumar, Commissioner, Appeals-II, GST and Central Excise.
The eco-park covering an area of 30,000 sq. ft. on the rear side of the bund had a lawn and varieties of ornamental plants. Various facilities such as jogging track, yoga platform and benches had been provided.
In October 15, 2020, SWoTT co-ordinator Mr. Sasikumar and Mrs. Sneha (Korattur Lake co-ordinator) planted around 200 saplings in the rear side of lake. Then, GST Commissioner also planted 12 saplings. And, our team is currently are one of the responsible members for the lake maintenance.
