The Hindu 06.04.2013
Lifeline for Chetpet Lake
A sports fishing-cum-eco park will soon be developed in
Chetpet. The State government will restore Chetpet Lake and develop
tourism infrastructure in a 15-acre area in the vicinity.
Chief
Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday made a statement in the Assembly on the
eco development project that will cost nearly Rs. 42 crore. The project
will facilitate rejuvenation of the 9-acre waterbody, development of a
restaurant with sea food, joggers’ track, walkways, a play area for
children and construction of a multi-level parking lot for visitors.
The
work is expected to commence in four months and the facilities will be
commissioned in two years. Angling is also expected to be promoted in
the lake after two years. As part of the proposal, the Fisheries
Department will remove water hyacinth and desilt the lake.
The
lake, located near the Kilpauk Medical College, has a beautiful island,
which will be preserved. Residents of Chetpet said an active anglers’
club had been in existence till the 1940s. The Corporation Council last
year adopted a resolution to construct a 1,475-metre-long stormwater
drain from the lake to the Cooum at a cost of Rs.2.29 crore to carry
excess water during monsoon. The drain would pass through New Bhoopathy
Nagar, Pachaiappa’s College playground and Venkatachalapathy Street. The
project would also prevent flooding in the Kilpauk Medical College
area.
Other recreational activities, including water
sports and boating, are expected to attract a large number of visitors
to the park. The multi-level parking facility will be constructed on the
side of Poonamallee High Road after the metrorail work is completed.
The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Finance Services has been asked to
prepare a detailed project report. The water body was affected by
illegal sewer connections from a nearby residential neighbourhood.