Siruthuli Rejuvenates Sholinganallur lake, doubles water storage capacity

Marking World Environment Day, Coimbatore-based environmental organisation Siruthuli announced the successful completion of the Sholinganallur Lake Rejuvenation Project in Chennai, undertaken with the support of Infosys Ltd. and in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), Water Resources Department (WRD) and other government agencies.
Sholinganallur Lake, a key urban waterbody in Chennai, had suffered severe ecological degradation due to silt accumulation, declining water quality and inflow of untreated wastewater. To restore the lake, Siruthuli implemented a comprehensive rejuvenation programme aimed at improving its ecological and hydrological health.
As part of the project, extensive desilting work increased the lake’s storage capacity from about 150 million litres to nearly 300 million litres. The excavated soil was used to strengthen bunds, while a shutter system was installed to regulate water inflow and improve rainwater retention.
Vetiver and Canna plantations were introduced as natural treatment systems to enhance water quality. Two biodiversity islands were also created to support wildlife habitats and ecological balance.
The rejuvenated lake was inaugurated by P. Saravanan, MLA, in the presence of Aftab Rasool, IAS, Regional Deputy Commissioner (South), GCC, and senior representatives of Infosys and Siruthuli.
According to Siruthuli, water quality has improved by nearly 98 per cent, while the project is expected to significantly boost groundwater recharge, strengthen biodiversity and provide a sustainable green space for local residents. The organisation described the initiative as a model for urban waterbody restoration and reaffirmed its commitment to similar environmental projects in the future.