Reviving Urban Lakes: The Transformative Journey of CLERP

In an era where urbanisation often encroaches upon nature, the Chennai Lake Ecology Restoration Project (CLERP) stands as a beacon of hope. Spearheaded by the Guru Krupa Foundation in collaboration with Hand in Hand India, CLERP is making significant strides in addressing water scarcity and enhancing flood management across Greater Chennai. CLERP’s mission is to breathe new life into urban lakes that have long been overlooked. These water bodies are critical for the city's ecosystem, and their restoration is essential. One of the recent success stories of CLERP is the renovation of Tondiarpet Lake. This effort has added an impressive water storage capacity of 1800 CuM. But the initiative didn’t stop at merely increasing water storage. Around 600 avenue saplings were planted around the lake bunds, aimed at boosting biodiversity, providing nesting grounds for migratory birds, and contributing to a greener urban ecosystem. Building on the success of Tondiarpet, CLERP’s next significant undertaking is the renovation of Basin Bridge Lake, bearing a water storage capacity of 69,00,000 litres, which will benefit the surrounding urban dwellings. This project is expected to further enhance the region's water storage capabilities, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to mitigating water scarcity and flood risks

The restoration efforts extend beyond just bolstering water availability. They are pivotal in fortifying the local ecosystem and fostering a more sustainable urban environment. By planting native trees around these water bodies, the initiative is significantly expanding green cover and establishing new habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. These multifaceted endeavors align seamlessly with India's National Action Plan for Climate Change and contribute substantially to Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). CLERP’s ongoing commitment to these projects marks a decisive step towards a cleaner, greener, and more water-resilient Chennai. With ambitions to extend this transformative initiative to other urban lakes in the future, CLERP is not just restoring lakes; it’s rejuvenating ecosystems and fostering a legacy of sustainability for generations to come.