Inspection of Kolathur Lake Improvement Works, 15 February 2025
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority issued this inspection update on 15 February 2025 about improvements to Kolathur Lake under the North Chennai Development Plan. It records plans to relocate 81 households beside the lake and canal to free alternative accommodation before removal, and to develop drainage, flood protection, a walkway and park facilities.
Purpose of the update
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority inspection update dated 15 February 2025 reports on improvement works at Kolathur Lake under the North Chennai Development Plan. P. K. Sekarbabu, Minister for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Chairman of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, inspected the site with senior officials.
The lake is one of 13 lakes being improved by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority at a total stated cost of Rs. 250 crore. The wider programme is intended to restore and beautify lakes, provide public amenities and improve their capacity to manage rain and flooding.
Who may be affected
The Kolathur Lake project directly affects 81 households identified beside the canal and lake. Approval had previously been given to remove these households, subject to the condition that alternative accommodation must be provided before removal.
The update states that alternative accommodation will be allotted without charge in the Moolakothalam area. It also refers to relocating residents from the Ramdas Nagar area before the affected land is redeveloped.
Planned works at Kolathur Lake
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority describes the following planned works:
- Beautification and improvement of Kolathur Lake.
- A drainage channel to carry excess lake water through the Retteri area to the Thanigachalam Canal during heavy rain and flooding.
- Relocation of the 81 identified households only after alternative accommodation is provided.
- Development of about two acres with a walkway and park facilities after relocation.
- Creation of a rainwater flow path and a safer environment during flooding.
- Measures intended to prevent sewage from entering restored lakes.
Programme and timelines
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority reported that action was being taken to complete the Kolathur works within six months. It also stated that work was underway at about nine of the 13 lakes and that the full group of lake projects was expected to be completed, as far as possible, by the end of December 2025.
For lakes affected by sewage, treatment or recycling infrastructure is being considered. At Alandur Lake, a proposal was being prepared for a recycling centre because sewage was entering the lake.
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Common questions
Will the 81 households be removed before receiving alternative accommodation?
No. The update states that the households must be given alternative accommodation before they are removed.
Will affected residents have to pay for the alternative accommodation?
The update says alternative accommodation in the Moolakothalam area will be allotted without charge.
What will happen to the land after the households are relocated?
About two acres are planned for a walkway, park facilities and a rainwater flow path intended to improve flood safety.
When are the Kolathur Lake works expected to be completed?
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority reported that steps were being taken to complete the works within six months. The wider programme of 13 lakes was expected to be completed, as far as possible, by the end of December 2025.
