Waterbodies may turn eco-tourist spots.

The ailing waterbodies in city suburbs will soon get a fresh lease of life as the Water Resources Department (WRD) is studying the possibility of developing them into eco-tourism spots.

In a bid to rejuvenate the waterbodies, the department is inviting suggestions from voluntary organisations for their comprehensive development. As a pilot project, it will take up the waterbodies in Madhavaram, Ambattur and Korattur with technical assistance from voluntary organisations.

The problems plaguing the lakes and steps to restore them were discussed at a recent meeting between the representatives of the department, Care Earth Trust, a city-based biodiversity research organisation, and Chennai City Connect, a WRD official said, adding that the waterbodies were losing their character thanks to rapid urbanisation.

Jayshree Vencatesan, managing trustee of the Care Earth Trust, said the waterbodies were shrinking because of an overgrown vegetation.


THE HINDU