In a significant step towards environmental conservation, the restoration work of Tiruneermalai Chitteri Lake has been officially inaugurated. The inauguration was led by S. Arunraj, IAS, District Collector (Chengalpattu), and Alex Paul Menon, IAS, Development Commissioner (MEPZ Special Economic Zone).
The MEPZ Special Economic Zone, Tambaram, in collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), has undertaken this vital restoration project aimed at revitalising the Tiruneermalai Chitteri Lake. Situated on the western periphery of the Chennai Bypass Road, the restoration focuses on enhancing the lake’s water storage capacity, supporting the local ecosystem and preventing flooding in the surrounding areas.
The restoration plan includes the removal of invasive vegetation such as Ipomea and Prosopis Juli flora, the bund area, increasing the lake’s storage capacity through desilting efforts, transforming the embankment into a dual bund, establishing 5 nesting islands to support local bird life, setting up seven snag points to enhance aquatic habitat complexity, constructing three pendulum wells to improve water recharge, creating a percolation trench to enhance groundwater recharge, installing fencing around the lake for protection, and planting native flora to support biodiversity.
The restoration work is projected to be completed within 85 days, with an investment of ₹ 50 lakhs from EFI.
