The Hand in Hand India-led Chennai Lake Ecology Restoration Project (CLERP) supported by the Guru Krupa Foundation has made significant progress in its first year. The project focuses on increasing water resilience to promote sustainability by restoring lake ecology in Chennai, overcoming challenges such as drought, flood, pollution, and climate vagaries. 

The main objective of the project was to rejuvenate two lakes namely Tondiarpet Lake and Sathankadu lake over two years. Tondiarpet lake with 40.87-hectare land extent located in northeast Chennai, has suffered from pollution and environmental degradation. The restoration efforts included desilting, removal of invasive jungle species, construction of inlet grid chambers and outlets. These measures have increased the lake’s storage capacity to 18,000 cubic metres, creating a healthy and safe environment and benefiting more than 48,000 people living in its vicinity.

An important part of the project is community engagement. The formation of the Urban Water Management Committee (UWMC), composed of local women, re-established community stewardship of the lake. This committee has been instrumental in organising regular visits,  meetings to discuss the status, and maintaining the same. 

The environmental benefits of the project are manifold in terms of increased water availability, water usage, groundwater recharge, reduction in temperature and making the location safer from anti-social elements. The restored pond is now a haven for migratory birds and supports the local ecosystem.  On the other hand, the lake is also an important flood mitigation mechanism, potentially saving communities from the economic devastation caused by annual flooding.

As the project progresses, the expected completion of tree planting and other community engagement efforts will enhance the sustainability and resilience of Chennai’s water resources.