WRD Begins ₹7-Crore Restoration of 120-Acre Pallavaram Periya Eri
The Water Resources Department has commenced a ₹7-crore project to restore the 120-acre Pallavaram Periya Eri in Pallavaram, targeting heavy weed growth, sewage contamination, and extensive encroachments across the waterbody.
Workers have begun clearing the dense spread of water hyacinth that currently chokes the lake. The comprehensive restoration plan also involves desilting the lake bed, strengthening and reshaping the surrounding bunds, and improving both the inlet and outlet channels to help the lake receive and retain rainwater.
As part of the project, the department plans to revive three major inlet channels that feed rainwater into the waterbody. These include a channel originating from the Tirusulam hills, a second line arriving from Thiruneermalai through Moongil Eri, and a third channel running from Veeraraghavan Lake through Chrompet.
A senior official from the Water Resources Department stated that accumulated silt and various other obstructions along these pathways will be cleared to fully restore their carrying capacity.
Addressing encroachments on the northern boundary of the lake remains a critical priority for authorities. Officials have identified approximately 200 residential and commercial structures built illegally along the northern side, and these properties are slated for removal during the project.
The department is also addressing sewage pollution in the surrounding drainage network. Engineers are examining active sewage inflows into the primary inlet channels, where multiple stretches presently carry wastewater rather than fresh rainwater into the lake.
