Marking World Environment Day, Siruthuli announced the successful completion of the Sholinganallur Lake Rejuvenation Project, undertaken with the support of Infosys Ltd. and in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), Water Resources Department (WRD), and other government stakeholders.
Since 2003, Siruthuli has been actively engaged in environmental conservation through waterbody restoration, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, waste management, environmental awareness and community development initiatives. The Sholinganallur Lake project is another significant milestone in its ongoing commitment towards sustainable water resource management.
Sholinganallur Lake, one of Chennai’s important urban water bodies, had suffered ecological degradation over the years due to heavy silt accumulation, reduced water-holding capacity, declining water quality and the inflow of untreated wastewater. Prior to restoration, the lake had a storage capacity of approximately 150 million litres, limiting its effectiveness in supporting groundwater recharge and ecological functions.
To address these challenges, Siruthuli undertook a comprehensive restoration programme aimed at enhancing the lake’s hydrological, ecological and social value while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Under the project, the lake was desilted and its storage capacity increased from approximately 150 million litres to nearly 300 million litres. The excavated material was utilised to strengthen the lake bunds and improve structural stability. A shutter system was installed to regulate water inflows and improve water retention during rainfall.
Natural treatment systems were established through Vetiver and Canna plantations within the lake and connecting channels to enhance water quality. Two biodiversity islands were also created using excavated silt to support ecological habitats and biodiversity enhancement. Extensive plantation and ecological restoration activities were carried out around the lake perimeter, while pedestrian pathways and recreational spaces were developed to encourage community participation and public engagement.
The rejuvenated lake was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mr. P. Saravanan, MLA, Sholinganallur, who attended as the Chief Guest. Mr. Aftab Rasool, IAS, Regional Deputy Commissioner (South), Greater Chennai Corporation, participated as the Guest of Honour.
Senior representatives from Infosys, including Mr. Anil Kumar P.N., Development Center Head, Chennai, and Mr. Niladri Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, were present at the event. The function was also attended by Dr. S.V. Balasubramaniam, Chairman, Siruthuli, Mrs. Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee, Siruthuli, members of the Siruthuli Apex Body, government officials, local stakeholders and community representatives.
The restoration project has significantly improved the ecological health of the lake. Comparative water quality assessments conducted before and after implementation indicate an improvement of nearly 98 percent in water quality.
The rejuvenated waterbody is expected to substantially enhance groundwater recharge and improve the quality and availability of water in open wells and borewells within a radius of nearly two kilometres. The project has also strengthened biodiversity, improved habitat availability and created a sustainable urban green space for the local community.
The Sholinganallur Lake Rejuvenation Project stands as a model urban waterbody restoration initiative that successfully integrates water conservation, wastewater management, biodiversity enhancement, afforestation and community participation within a single sustainable framework.
Siruthuli expressed its sincere gratitude to Infosys Ltd., the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Water Resources Department and all government departments, officials and stakeholders whose support and cooperation made the project possible. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to undertaking similar restoration initiatives that contribute towards building a more sustainable and water-secure Chennai.