Restoration over, Corpn to ink PPP to maintain Villivakkam lake

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to hand over the maintenance of the restored Villivakkam lake to private firms, who would be permitted to conduct entertainment activities at the lake that is expected to become a tourist attraction.

According to a Corporation official, the private firm, selected through the tender process, would carry out maintenance works for next few years. “We have planned walkers’ pathway, walking tunnel, a suspension bridge and other facilities at the lake. These are revenue-generating facilities, which will be maintained under the public-private partnership by sharing the revenue,” the official said.

The civic body restored Villivakkam lake under the Smart City Mission, plugging sewage outlets and removing debris dumped inside the waterbody. The State government had handed over 27.50-acre portion of the lake to the civic body for restoration while remaining 11.50 acre is under Metro Water, where a sewage treatment plant is coming up.

“The selected firm will be allowed to create infrastructure apart from those created by the Corporation. They can create bowling alley, provision for boating, birds park, amusement rides and dining facilities to attract people and earn revenue. We will allow them to conduct cultural events and carnivals, and they may innovate new ideas and facilities,” the official added.

As part of the restoration project, the civic body had desilted and increased the water holding capacity of the lake to 3.20 lakh cubic metre from earlier 20,000 cubic metre. The sewage treatment plant with one million litre per day capacity would come upon the northern side of the lake to maintain the water level of the lake at 8.5 MSL (Mean Sea Level) at any given point of time.

“The sewage treatment plant will also be maintained by the private firm to maintain the water level and quality. Apart from the already planned facilities, we will allow the private firm to conduct water sports and run a theme park. There will be regular monitoring by the civic body to prevent any illegal activities at the lake. We will not allow alcohol bar inside the lake premises,” the official added.

We have planned walkers’ pathway, walking tunnel, a suspension bridge and other facilities at the lake

—Corporation official