Western suburbs get a new recreational space.

Residents of the western suburbs now have a recreational space. The Paruthipattu lake eco-park near Avadi, developed on the lines of the Chetpet eco-park, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami recently.

Spread over 86 acres, the Paruthipattu lake was among the neglected waterbodies in the western suburbs. But it now sports a new look as the Water Resources Department (WRD) has developed it into an eco-park at a cost of ₹28 crore.

Residents can now enjoy a boat ride, as a boating deck and three landing areas have been built here. Besides a 3-km-long walking track around the lake, an open-air auditorium, a central plaza for people to relax, and a children’s play area have also been provided, said WRD officials.

Visitors can also view two islands, created for nesting birds, from three observation areas. The lake will also serve as a groundwater recharge for areas in a two kilometre radius, including Govardhanagiri, an official said.

Sewage release

Unlike many waterbodies in the city fringes, Paruthipattu lake continues to have sufficient storage. This is also because of the release of raw sewage from the neighbouring areas.

Residents of Avadi complained that improvement of the lake into an eco-park is incomplete if the sewage discharge into the waterbody is not arrested. The department must desilt and improve other waterbodies such as the Ayanambakkam lake too, said residents.

Responding to residents’ complaints, a WRD official said measures were being taken to construct a sewage treatment plant to prevent entry of sewage into the lake.

“We will continue maintaining the lake. But the local body in Avadi will fix an entry fee and maintain the rest of the infrastructure,” the official added.

THE HINDU