Arafath Lake is part of the large network of waterbodies in western suburbs, and its surplus drains into Ambattur Lake.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ
To bolster flood mitigation and water conservation, the Avadi City Municipal Corporation is stepping up efforts to rejuvenate waterbodies and curb pollution in groundwater recharge sources that meet much of the area’s water needs.Groundwater remains a major source for drinking water supply in the locality. In a bid to increase local water sources and enrich the groundwater level, the corporation has taken up works to improve Arafath lake in Thirumullaivoyal and Atteri lake, with the help of non-governmental organisations, including Exnora International.The local body has also proposed a 24x7 piped water supply system. Avadi’s water demand is nearly 76 million litres a day and a part of it is being met by bulk supply from Chennai Metrowater and borewells.Officials of the Avadi Corporation said nearly 12 ponds had been rejuvenated so far, and the restoration of two more waterbodies in Vilinjiyambakkam and Ayyaneri had been proposed to be taken up shortly. There are plans to improve various waterbodies to strengthen the banks and reduce flooding ahead of the Northeast monsoon.Spread over nearly 97 acres, the Vilinjiyambakkam lake, which was once a rich groundwater source, has long been left neglected, said residents.S. Sundaramurthy, president, Puzhal Eri, Arafath Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam, said Arafath Eri was part of the large network of waterbodies in western suburbs, and its surplus drained into Ambattur lake. Areas around the lake, including Chozhambedu, Senthil Nagar, and Manikandapuram, were largely dependent on the lake for groundwater recharge. “Comprehensive desilting and deepening of the lake must be carried out. Encroachments are yet to be removed. The lake also needs a shutter for controlled release of flood water,” he said.R. Saranya, Avadi Municipal Commissioner, said stringent action was being carried out against those who discharged sewage into the waterbodies. Nearly 50-60 connections had been plugged and levied fine so far. Avadi had nearly 40 waterbodies and more restoration projects would be executed in the next few months, she saidMost of the borewells supplying drinking water to the locality still have a good yield. The area is estimated to have nearly 1.5 lakh households and the local body is working to expand piped water supply to all households and move towards an uninterrupted supply. Published - August 07, 2026 12:55 am IST
