Porur Lake: Lifeline of Southwest Chennai

Porur Lake, locally known as Retteri or Porur Aeri, is a prominent water body located in the southern fringes of Chennai city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Nestled in the suburb of Porur in Tiruvallur district’s Poonamallee taluk, the lake not only adds charm to the landscape along the Chennai Bypass but also plays a critical role in supporting the city’s water needs and ecological balance.

Geographical Identity

Porur Lake is located at the global coordinates of 13.034223°N latitude and 80.15065°E longitude. With a spread of 250 acres, it holds an impressive water capacity of 46 million cubic feet (mcft). Its strategic position near the bustling Mount Poonamallee Road makes it both a scenic and functional landmark.

Daily operations at Porur Lake involve four filter stations actively pumping water to the K.K. Nagar double tank distribution point, a vital system in Chennai’s water infrastructure.

Vital Functions

Porur Lake serves two major purposes:

• Drinking Water Supply: It's a critical freshwater reservoir that contributes to Chennai’s domestic water distribution.

• Drainage Link: It’s hydrologically connected with Chembarambakkam Lake, acting as a drainage basin during overflow and excess rainfall, thereby buffering the local water network.

Ecological Challenges

Despite its importance, Porur Lake has faced increasing ecological distress over the years.

• Encroachments: Unauthorized construction, especially near Iyyapanthangal, has infringed upon lake boundaries and disturbed natural water flow.

• Pollution: The lake has been transformed into a dumping ground, with sewage release and garbage disposal seriously compromising water quality.

• Monsoon Flooding: Locals report that bund breaches where the embankment fails trigger annual flooding during the rainy season, affecting surrounding residential areas.

These environmental threats have not only reduced the lake's ecological resilience but have also impacted local communities that rely on it.

Restoration Efforts

Recognizing the urgency, authorities have undertaken multiple initiatives to restore the lake’s health.

Major Developments:

• Prohibition on Usage: Since 1995, activities like swimming, bathing, and washing in the lake have been strictly banned.

• Water Resources Department (WRD) Project (2012): A ₹20 crore restoration initiative aimed at:

  • De-silting the lake

  • Expanding storage capacity from 46 mcft to 70 mcft

  • Enhancing infrastructure to deliver 2 million liters/day to Chennai’s water grid

Structural Enhancements:

• Thanthikal Channel Upgrade: Conversion to a concrete passage to prevent sewage inflow from Bharanipudhur and Iyyapanthangal.

• Bund Construction: A 5 km embankment was reinforced with fencing to protect from future encroachments.

• Satellite Lakes: Nemam and Ayanambakkam were also rejuvenated to supplement Porur Lake and offer additional backup during dry spells.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Local residents continue to press for the removal of encroaching huts, emphasizing the direct link between illegal settlements and recurring floods.

Tourism and Nearby Attractions

Although Porur Lake is primarily functional, it offers aesthetic value and nearby cultural sites worth exploring:

• Temples: Mouleeswarar Temple, Kamatchi Amman Temple, Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Siva Temple

• Gardens: Ars Garden, Shiva Parvathi Pushpa Garden

• Entertainment Spots: Gopala Krishna Theatre, Sanjeevi Theatre, Thangam Cinema

• Spiritual Spaces: E.C.I Church, Krishu Jyothi Church

These spots provide visitors with a holistic Experience Balancing Nature, spirituality, and culture.

How to Reach Porur Lake

Connectivity is one of Porur Lake’s strengths, making it accessible for both residents and tourists.

Being part of the Chennai metropolitan area ensures Porur Lake is well-linked through road, rail, and air.

Looking Ahead

Porur Lake represents a microcosm of Chennai’s struggle between urban expansion and ecological preservation. While restoration projects have injected renewed hope, long-term success hinges on community involvement, strict regulation enforcement, and sustainable urban planning.

With vigilant stewardship and collective responsibility, Porur Lake can continue to serve not only as Chennai’s water lifeline but also as a symbol of resilient natural beauty.