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Key Points

The Greater Chennai Corporation is ramping up efforts to restore water bodies and create rainwater harvesting parks before the Northeast monsoon arrives. Restoration work is already underway on 22 ponds in south Chennai with more projects planned across the city. These initiatives aim to tackle waterlogging, improve groundwater recharge, and create functional public spaces for residents. The corporation emphasizes that these measures are crucial for building Chennai's resilience against floods and ensuring sustainable water management.

Key Points: Chennai Restores 22 Ponds Rainwater Parks Ahead of Monsoon

  • Restoring 22 ponds in south Chennai with non-profit support
  • 44 more ponds identified for Rs 119.32 crore improvement
  • 88 rainwater harvesting parks built at Rs 14.74 crore total cost
  • Projects executed under Singara Chennai 2.0 and AMRUT schemes
2 min read

Chennai civic body ramps up pond restoration, rainwater harvesting parks ahead of monsoon

Greater Chennai Corporation intensifies pond restoration and rainwater harvesting parks to prevent waterlogging and boost groundwater recharge before monsoon season.

"The restoration works are not just about aesthetics but about strengthening Chennai’s resilience against floods and ensuring sustainable groundwater management - Greater Chennai Corporation"

Chennai, Sep 4

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has intensified efforts to restore water bodies and set up rainwater harvesting parks across the city as part of its preparations for the Northeast monsoon.

Civic officials said on Wednesday that the works are aimed at tackling waterlogging, improving groundwater recharge, and creating usable public spaces.

Restoration of 22 ponds in south Chennai is already underway with support from a non-profit organisation.

In addition, 44 more ponds have been identified for improvement at a cost of Rs 119.32 crore.

A separate plan is in place to restore 41 ponds across Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, and Tondiarpet at an estimated cost of Rs 119.42 crore.

Over the last four years, the GCC has restored 70 ponds at a cost of Rs 144.34 crore.

The city's pond inventory has expanded from 210 to 251, with recent additions, including four new ponds, inside the former Madras Race Club campus at Guindy and two ponds created near the MRTS line at the six-vent culvert.

Simultaneously, the civic body has rolled out 88 rainwater harvesting parks across neighbourhoods at a combined cost of Rs 14.74 crore.

These parks feature redesigned public spaces and playgrounds with recharge pits to help absorb stormwater.

In 2022–23, 57 such parks were set up in areas, including Tondiarpet, Perambur, Anna Nagar, Alandur, and Sholinganallur at a cost of Rs 7.67 crore.

Another 27 parks were completed this year for Rs 6.34 crore, while four more are under progress at an estimated cost of Rs 72.6 lakh.

The projects are being executed under schemes such as Singara Chennai 2.0, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Namakku Naame, and the Asian Development Bank project.

Civic officials said these initiatives have targeted temple tanks, community lakes, and other water bodies, focusing on desilting, bund strengthening, and removal of encroachments.

"The restoration works are not just about aesthetics but about strengthening Chennai's resilience against floods and ensuring sustainable groundwater management," the Corporation said in a statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 119 crore for pond restoration? Hope the money is well spent and not just on paper. We've seen many projects start with big budgets but poor maintenance later. GCC should ensure regular monitoring.
A
Arjun K
As someone living in South Chennai, I've seen the pond restoration work happening. The difference is noticeable already! Groundwater levels have improved in our area. More cities should learn from Chennai's water management initiatives 💧
S
Sarah B
The rainwater harvesting parks combining playgrounds with recharge pits is brilliant! Creating multifunctional spaces that serve both recreation and environmental purposes. Hope they maintain these properly unlike many other public parks.
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Vikram M
Good initiative but what about preventing new encroachments? Every year we restore ponds but builders keep filling them up for construction. GCC needs stronger enforcement against land grabbers.
K
Kavya N
The expansion from 210 to 251 ponds is impressive! Chennai is setting an example for urban water management. Hope they involve local communities in maintaining these water bodies for long-term sustainability 🙏

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