Chennai: Chembarambakkam Lake, a key water source for Chennai, is facing a significant dip in storage levels, holding only 1.889 tmcft compared to 3.130 tmcft during the same period last year. This 40% drop is attributed to delayed monsoon rains in the lake's catchment area, according to the Water Resources Department (WRD). The city has also received only 1.24 tmcft of Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh this year, a stark decrease from last year’s 2.41 tmcft by mid-November, marking a shortfall of 1.18 tmcft.
Despite recent improvements, officials caution that heavy rains could still lead to waterlogging in vulnerable areas like Tiruneermalai, Kundrathur, and Kottur. The WRD noted that surplus water discharged from the lake usually drains through channels leading to the Adyar River, affecting localities along its path.
To bolster the lake’s water retention capacity and mitigate future shortages, the WRD has floated tenders worth ₹22.9 crore. This project will focus on repairing bunds, building flood protection walls, and closing upstream channels to reduce water loss. The restoration work is scheduled to begin in January and aims to be completed before the next northeast monsoon season.
However, the Tamil Nadu Senior Engineers Association has expressed concerns about the proposed restoration methods. The association argues that traditional bund repairs are costly, time-consuming, and require frequent maintenance. General Secretary A. Veerapan suggests that using reinforced earth walls, similar to those on high-level embankments of state highways, would offer a quicker, more cost-effective solution. The association is willing to provide technical support if the WRD considers revising the project plan.
The restoration of Chembarambakkam Lake is seen as crucial for Chennai’s water security, especially during erratic monsoon patterns, but the debate continues on the best approach to achieve long-term sustainability.
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