Sun Nov 16 00:11:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Otteri lake, a 19-acre man-made lake in Vellore, India, originally built in 1904 to supply water to British troops, has reached its full storage capacity for the first time since the 2021 floods. This is due to recent rainfall in the catchment areas and rejuvenation efforts by the Vellore Corporation. The rejuvenation included desilting the lake, which has improved its water storage capacity, groundwater recharge, and the ability to draw water from surrounding borewells. The lake’s water is used for domestic consumption, irrigation, and eventual discharge into the Palar River.

News Article:

Vellore’s Otteri Lake Reaches Full Capacity After Rejuvenation, First Time Since 2021 Floods

Vellore, India – November 16, 2025 – The historic Otteri lake in Vellore has reached its full storage capacity for the first time since the devastating floods of 2021, thanks to consistent rainfall and successful rejuvenation efforts by the Vellore Corporation. The 19-acre lake, originally constructed in 1904 to supply water to British troops stationed at Vellore Fort, now plays a vital role in the region’s water security.

Officials credit recent rains in the lake’s catchment areas, including Palamathi and the Jawadhu Hills, for the increased water levels. Commissioner R. Lakshman of the Vellore Corporation emphasized the importance of the lake’s full capacity, stating that it “helps to recharge groundwater in its surrounding” and provides essential water resources for residents.

The Corporation’s rejuvenation project involved the removal of accumulated silt, approximately 45 centimeters annually, consisting of vegetation, animal waste, and grit. This desilting process has significantly increased the lake’s capacity to store rainwater.

“Water in the lake is also used to irrigate farmlands in the surrounding villages,” explained K. Raman, a local farmer. “Residents also drill borewells near the lake to draw water for domestic use.” The improved water level has allowed the Corporation to draw water from a greater number of its 24 surrounding borewells, addressing a critical need in the region.

Excess rainwater from the lake is discharged into stormwater drains and the fort’s moat, eventually flowing into the Palar River. The successful rejuvenation of Otteri lake marks a significant achievement for Vellore, bolstering its water infrastructure and resilience against future floods. The Vellore Corporation has been able to support the total water need of 80 MLD per day.

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Sun Nov 16 00:11:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news report:

Summary:

The Otteri lake, a man-made lake in Vellore built in 1904, has reached its full storage capacity for the first time since the 2021 floods. This is due to recent rainfall and rejuvenation efforts by the Vellore Corporation, including the removal of accumulated silt. The lake provides water for residents, agriculture, and recharges groundwater levels, allowing the Corporation to draw water from more borewells.

News Article:

Vellore’s Historic Otteri Lake Reaches Full Capacity After Rejuvenation

Vellore, India – November 16, 2025 – The Otteri lake, a 19-acre waterbody constructed during British rule in 1904, has reached its full storage capacity for the first time since the devastating floods of 2021. Vellore Corporation officials attribute this achievement to consistent rainfall in catchment areas and successful rejuvenation efforts carried out by the civic body.

The lake, originally built to supply water to British troops stationed at Vellore fort, now serves as a crucial water source for residents, irrigating farmlands, and replenishing groundwater levels. Commissioner R. Lakshman stated that the full capacity of the lake has significantly improved groundwater recharge in the surrounding areas.

A key aspect of the rejuvenation project was the removal of approximately 45 centimeters of accumulated silt, consisting of vegetation, animal waste, and grit washed down from the nearby Jawadhu Hills. Removing this build-up significantly increased the lake’s capacity to store rainwater.

“The rejuvenation of the lake has allowed us to draw water from a greater number of borewells, ensuring a more reliable water supply for the city,” said a Corporation official. The increased water availability is particularly welcome, as the current water demand of the civic body is 80 MLD (millions of liters per day).

Excess rainwater from the lake is channeled through stormwater drains and a moat in the fort before flowing into the Palar river, a system that has been functioning effectively since the recent heavy rainfall. The restored Otteri lake stands as a testament to the importance of water body maintenance and its positive impact on the local community.

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