Rejuvenation works gather pace at Thiruneermalai Periya Eri

Restoration work is progressing at a brisk pace at the Thiruneermalai Periya Eri, a major water body adjoining the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) under the Tambaram Corporation limits, raising hope of enhanced water storage and flood mitigation in surrounding residential areas.

Spread over nearly 80 hectares (around 200 acres), the Periya Eri was once a lifeline for the farming community in the region.

But, over the years, it suffered from sewage inflow, indiscriminate dumping of garbage and encroachments. The lake is now being rejuvenated following an initial sanction of ₹5 crore by the State government.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has commenced desilting works, a senior official said.

Invasive species

According to officials, the removal of seemai karuvelam (prosopis juliflora) trees, an invasive species, from the lake bund has proved to be a challenging task due to the density of growth and the extent of root spread.

“Apart from dredging the lake, the funds are being utilised to strengthen the bunds, repair flood-control regulators and remove accumulated sludge,” the official said, adding that the work will likely be completed by March.

The restoration efforts follow sustained demands from civic organisations and environmental groups, including the Tiruneermalai Periya Eri Pathukappu Kuzhu and the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations, which have been urging the government to protect the lake from further degradation caused by encroachments, garbage dumping, and sewage discharge.

The initiative, they said, was expected to improve groundwater recharge in the area. “We hope the restoration will help spare residential localities from flooding during the next monsoon,” said V. Santhanam, a senior social activist.

E. Karunanidhi, MLA, said that once the core restoration work is completed, additional amenities such as a walking path and lighting would be taken up, with funds likely to be provided under the MLA Local Area Development Scheme.

Proposals were also under consideration to develop the lake as an eco-sensitive leisure space, including boating facilities. “A nature island for birds is planned at the centre of the lake,” he said, expressing confidence that the rejuvenated Periya Eri would be on a par with Chitlapakkam Lake.