HDB Financial Services (HDBFS), in collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), restored a 23-acre waterbody Venbakkam Lake in Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu. The primary objective of the restoration initiatives at Venbakkam Lake is to increase the lake's water-holding capacity, enhance biodiversity, improve groundwater recharge, regular local temperatures and bolster flood resilience.
The project also includes removing invasive weeds and waste, desilting to boost water storage, and reinforcing embankments to prevent flooding. This will help create nesting areas for wildlife, install fencing to stop pollution and encroachment and regulate water flow to improve groundwater recharge.
Satheesh M., Zonal Manager, at HDB Financial Services, remarked, "The restoration of Venbakkam Lake underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare. Our partnership with Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) is a testament to our dedication towards creating a thriving ecosystem that will serve the local population and the environment for generations to come. Along with addressing immediate environmental challenges, this initiative also fosters long-term resilience and sustainability in the region."
Arun Krishnamurthy, Founder & CEO of EFI, commented, "Our mission at EFI is to restore and protect India’s water bodies through meaningful collaborations. This project with HDB Financial Services exemplifies the transformative impact of joint efforts in environmental conservation. The restoration of Venbakkam Lake is more than just a rehabilitation; it’s a step toward ensuring a sustainable and resilient environment for the communities that depend on this crucial water resource."
The lake area spreads across 23.75 acres of which 7 acres of land has been restored through this project. The restoration is expected to increase the lake’s water-holding capacity by upto 50%, directly benefiting the general population within a 1-2 km radius through enhanced water percolation and groundwater recharge, as evidenced by rising water levels in nearby wells and bore wells.
HDBFS has a history of supporting the restoration of over 700 small and medium-sized ponds and lakes across various Indian states as part of its broader environmental stewardship initiatives. The successful restoration of lake serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable ecological benefits and improved community resilience.