1. Summary for Restoration and Protection of Six lakes
within Chennai Metropolitan Area
Executive Summary

2. The project is titled as “Preparation of Detailed Project Report for Restoration and
Protection of six lakes within the Chennai Metropolitan Area”. Government of Tamil Nadu
(GoTN), through the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) and Tamil Nadu Urban
Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL), has taken the initiative for the restoration
and protection of Lakes in CMA. The proposed project is aimed for the restoration and
protection of the six lakes in CMA by undertaking interventions in the basin and catchment area
for water recharging and retaining in the lake.
The study area of 6 Lakes are located within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The Lakes
chosen for the restoration are:
Lakes in South Chennai
1) Velachery Lake
2) Nanmangalam Lake
3) Kovilambakkam Eri
4) Nesavalar Nagar Lake
Lakes in North Chennai
5) Kadapakkam Panchayat Lake in Manali Zone
6) Kolathur Lake

3. For executing the
project a
methodology was
framed as shown in
the figure.
Survey and
Investigations were
carried out including
Topographical and
bathymetric survey to
study the present
condition Inlet and
Outlet structures,
Point sources of
pollution, Solid waste
dumping sites,
present usage, water
quality, Biodiversity
and focus groups.
Hydraulic particulars
were collected from
the PWD, WRD.
The hydrological analysis include water balance studies, water holding capacity of lakes,
Hydrological modelling, lake catchment, inlets and outlets, drainage networks, rainfall &
dependability analysis, Runoff Estimation, connectivity and carrying capacity of the
channels.
One of the primary purposes of the project is to restore the connectivity between the lakes
as shown in figure
The existing water
samples collected were tested
and analyzed for identification
of 35 different parameters
conforming to CPCB
guidelines at several locations
for all six lakes. Sediments
samples were collected at
three locations including inlet,
outlet and water spread area.
Habit composition of floral
species of the lake is
dominated by herbs, followed
by shrub, trees and climbers,
grasses and aquatic.

4. Focus group discussion (FGD) was carried out initially to identify key issues and
suggestions for restoration and protection from the locals. Stakeholders meetings were
conducted at local and official levels. The key issues and suggestions were put forth as
per below by the stakeholders were considered in preparing the restoration plan.
 Alteration and disturbance in drainage pattern and the entire hydrology
 Blocked/ruined inlets and outlets
 Physical encroachments on bunds
 Patronage from surrounding community
 No adequate fencing.
 Inadequate Infrastructure for developmental potential
 Shrinkage in Lake submergence due to encroachments
Based on survey and analysis three strategy for restoration was prepared.
Preservation & Restoration Programme of Water Bodies
Conservation of Water Bodies
Urban Design Intervention Programme with a mix of preservation and conservation
aspects.