திருநீர்மலை சித்தேரி தாம்பரத்தின் பெரிய ஏரிக்கு மேற்கே அமைந்துள்ள முக்கியமான நீர்நிலை ஆகும். இந்த நீர்த்தடம் பல்வேறு உயிரினங்களின் நீர் ஆதாரமாக அமைந்துள்ளது. திருநீர்மலை சித்தேரியின் மறுசீரமைப்பை பற்றி இந்த பதிவில் காணுங்கள்.
Thiruneermalai, a town panchayat in the city of Tambaram is situated within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The Thiruneermalai Chitheri, connected to a network of interconnected lakes, is positioned west of an arterial road. The Periya Eri is located towards its east and the Viridis Lake is located towards its south-west. Towards its west, the lake is surrounded by residential buildings. The Adyar river runs parallel to the Thiruneermalai Chitheri in the north-eastern direction.
Just like its neighboring bodies of water, Thiruneermalai Chitheri plays a vital part in maintaining Tambaram’s ecosystem. Sadly though, the lake was fully covered with invasive weeds and garbage from the nearby buildings. With silt deposition over the years, the lake had uneven contours, which compromised its water holding capacity.
E.F.I thanks Tambaram Corporation for their administrative support in restoring Thiruneermalai Chitheri.
- Deweeding and Garbage Removal
The lake was infested by invasive weed species such as water hyacinth and Prosopis juliflora. Garbage dumping was another major problem that affected the lake’s surface. The weeds were removed for an area of 1 acre and garbage removal was carried out.
- Desilting
The lake had an uneven contour due to excessive silt deposition that had accumulated over the years. To remove the excess silt, the lake was desilted for an average depth of 4 ft. This process would help in improving the water holding capacity of the lake.
- Bund Construction
The lake had an indefinite boundary with improper embankments. A dual embankment with primary and second embankments has been constructed to improve the structural integrity of the lake. A primary embankment of 405 meters and 6 ft width along with a secondary embankment of 405 meters and 10 ft width were constructed. This would clearly demarcate the lake’s boundary and prevent encroachments in the future.
- Island Construction
A nesting island of 20 ft length, 12 ft height and 15 ft width has been constructed with the excavated silt to enhance the lake’s biodiversity. The island serves as a protective environment for various species and plays a significant role in fostering the natural ecological balance of the surrounding area. By creating such structures, the lake becomes a more inviting place for migratory birds, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
A G-shaped island of 8 ft has been made to provide a unique and eye-catching feature in the surrounding region, enhancing the natural beauty with its distinct shape.
Thiruneermalai Chitheri After Restoration
With all its new features, such as enhanced bunds that provide better water retention and the elegantly designed G-shaped island, Thiruneermalai Chitheri is brimming with water today. The lake as a vibrant ecosystem is filled with life, attracting a variety of birds and giving residents a renewed sense of hope and connection to nature.
Check out E.F.I restored lakes around Thiruneermalai Chitheri:
Volunteer for Tambaram and her Environment with E.F.I