Kolapakkam Lake, nestled alongside the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Freeway, spans roughly 44.4 acres and serves as an important ecosystem within the area. Nonetheless, earlier than E.F.I’s intervention, the lake confronted vital challenges, together with invasive weeds, extreme siltation and structural degradation that turned parts of the lake into waterlogged patches.
Recognizing the necessity for intervention, E.F.I launched into a complete restoration mission to revive the lake and improve its biodiversity.
Key Restoration Actions
Our restoration efforts concerned a number of essential steps:
1. Desilting: To fight the sediment accumulation that diminished the lake’s water-holding capability, we utilized excavators to take away 2 to three ft of sediment from the lake mattress. This course of not solely enhance the storage but additionally enhanced groundwater replenishment.
2. Island Development: Eight nesting islands have been created utilizing the excavated soil, offering protected habitats for varied species and enhancing the ecological stability of the lake.
3. Trenches: Shallow channels have been dug across the lake to handle water circulate, stop soil erosion and promote groundwater recharge, aiding in replenishing its water ranges.
4. Bund Strengthening and Widening: The prevailing bunds have been bolstered and expanded with desilted soil, enhancing their structural integrity and capability to retain water, whereas additionally stopping flooding.
After Restoration
Group Engagement
Group involvement has been an important a part of our restoration efforts to lift consciousness and inculcate a way of accountability in the direction of the water physique among the many area people. Native residents and college students got here collectively for a lake cleanup exercise in Kolapakkam Lake.
The restoration of Kolapakkam Lake reminds us of the facility of collaborative efforts in environmental sustainability. By addressing ecological challenges and fascinating the group, we’re paving the way in which for a more healthy lake ecosystem that advantages each wildlife and native communities for years to return. Collectively, we are able to be sure that Kolapakkam Lake thrives as a vibrant pure useful resource!
Volunteer for India and her Atmosphere with E.F.I
