Work on north Chennai’s largest ecosystem restoration project in Kadapakkam Lake in Manali is set to be completed in September.

On Tuesday, Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inspected the restoration work in the 134.89-acre area of the lake and ordered officials to expedite the work.

The restoration work was taken up with funding from the Asian Development Bank at an estimated cost of ₹58.31 crore, with an additional grant from Global Environment Facility (GEF). The key attractions of the project include a butterfly park, bird island with native species of trees, and children’s play area.

Ahead of the launch of the work, a baseline study of the butterflies and odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) was carried out as a part of the biodiversity survey in the area.

The study focused on identifying the existing population of butterflies and odonates, which also act as the bio-indicators for the health of the eco-system, and can subsequently be used to gauge the progress of the restored lake in future stages of development.

Over 30 species of butterflies and 14 species of odonates were identified. Some of the butterfly host plants identified were Amaranthus, Barleria, Calotropis, Pergularia and Tylophora.

GCC is also planning to complete work on enhancement of flood retention in the lake through nature-based solutions ahead of the onset of the northeast monsoon. The proposed component is expected to address climate change risk by enhancing water retention in the catchment. It will reduce current and future flood risk in monsoon season in north Chennai in Kosasthalaiyar basin and increase groundwater availability in the dry season. 

The project is aligned with the following impact: Chennai city made a safe place to live in, with reduced vulnerability to disaster. The project will have the following outcome: climate and disaster resilience in the Chennai-Kosasthalaiyar River basin, said officials.