Retteri lake hits full capacity after restoration; set for eco-friendly upgrades

Retteri lake, identified as one of Chennai’s buffer sources of drinking water, has reached full storage this monsoon after its recent restoration. In a bid to boost the lake’s ecological health, solar-powered aerators are being installed, and plans are afoot to introduce more eco-tourism initiatives through collaborative efforts.

The lake, which belongs to a chain of waterbodies, plays a crucial role in flood management, and is a significant source of groundwater recharge. Spread over 400 acres, the waterbody now has an enhanced storage capacity of 50 million cubic feet (mcft) against its previous capacity of 32 mcft, an official said.

To convert the lake into a drinking water source, the Water Resources Department implemented a ₹43.19 crore that included works to deepen the tank bed, strengthen foreshore bund, and form three artificial islands.

As a measure to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake, the department has collaborated with Environmentalist Foundation of India — a voluntary organisation involved in lake conservation efforts — to install eight solar-powered aerators to improve the water quality. Talks are under way to step up plantations on the islands and set up container museum on the lines of Keelkattalai lake.

Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, EFI, said the aerators were being installed near the islands and sites, where nutrient load deposits would be more, to curb the growth of water hyacinth. There is scope to add 2,000 trees along the lake, including the walkway that leads to one of the islands.

A view of the Retteri lake, which covers 5.42-million square feet, in Chennai on Tuesday,
| Photo Credit:
B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Another proposal to set up a container museum showcasing the lake’s features is also awaiting approval from the WRD.

While welcoming the restoration efforts, residents said that some core problems such as sewage and encroachments needed attention.

J. Ravi of Kilburn Nagar, Madhavaram, said the lake was a primary source of groundwater for areas such as Madhavaram, where water is available at a depth of 20 feet. While it presents a cleaner and scenic look, the authorities must prevent sewage pollution and develop the lake into an eco-tourism spot.

Officials of the WRD said the department was coordinating with Chennai Metrowater to plug sewage outfalls and extend the underground drainage network to surrounding areas. The water agency already has infrastructure in place to supply 10 million litres a day of water from the lake.

Encroachment removal in the lake’s foreshore areas has been suspended due to pending court cases.