Within the southern neighbourhood of Chennai metropolis, the Ottiyambakkam Lake sits amidst an urbanizing space attributable to inhabitants progress. Quite a few residential complexes on this neighborhood depend on this lake as a water supply. Nevertheless, the lake has skilled important alterations in land use attributable to evolving infrastructure and anthropological stress.
With an absence of upkeep, the lake has grow to be overrun by invasive weeds, spreading throughout its floor and embankments. The lake’s structural integrity has been compromised, leading to weakened embankments. The absence of correct boundaries renders the lake inclined to encroachment. Over time, silt deposition from runoff have led to a discount in its water-holding capability.
The Path to Restoration
A multi-pronged restoration effort by E.F.I has reworked Ottiyambakkam Lake again to its wholesome, pure state. Right here’s how:
- Deweeding & Rubbish Removing : Invasive weeds reminiscent of Ipomoea carnea and Prosopis juliflora have been faraway from the lake’s floor and embankments. As a consequence of its shut proximity to the residential space rubbish dumping was a serious drawback, The whole foreshore area was cleared with rubbish.
- Strengthening of Embankment:
Break Bunds have been constructed on the foreshore area utilizing the silt eliminated in the course of the cleansing course of. These foreshore bunds act as a boundary for the lake, stopping encroachments and undesirable human interventions with out proscribing the move of water.
Twin Embankment was constructed on the offshore area of the lake with the silt excavated. It will enhance the storage capability and resilience throughout floods.
- Sedimentation Ponds & Recharge Pit: Two round sedimentation ponds and a recharge pit have been made within the foreshore area of the lake. The sedimentary pits will permit the suspended particles within the influx water to settle and guarantee a clean move. The recharge pit will retailer water even throughout summer season and enhance groundwater recharge.
- Boundary Trench: A boundary trench has been made as an excavation dug alongside the perimeter of the lake, the ditch canal affords floor runoff to make sure that giant volumes of water are drained rapidly into the lake.
- Protecting Fencing: Fencing has been put in across the foreshore of the lake. It will clearly outline the boundaries and stop future encroachments, guaranteeing the lake’s long-term well being.
The Restoration of Ottiyambakkam Lake with all its new options reminiscent of enhanced embankments, deepened lake floor, sedimentation ponds, boundary trenches and protecting fencing is monsoon prepared.
Keep tuned on this house to study extra about E.F.I’s restoration actions in your neighborhood.
Volunteer for India and her Setting with E.F.I
