Thu Dec 25 23:00:00 UTC 2025: Chennai Residents Set to Enjoy Boating on Newly Revitalized Lakes by Pongal
Chennai, December 26, 2025 – Residents of Madhavaram, Manali, and surrounding areas are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Pongal festival as the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) prepares to launch boating services on the newly cleaned and revitalized Madhavaram and Manali lakes.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has undertaken extensive cleaning and desilting efforts on the Madhavaram lake (66-acre water spread) and the Manali lake (29-acre water spread). The TTDC has conducted feasibility studies and trials, confirming sufficient water depth for motorboats. Plans are underway to acquire motorboats, pedal boats, and paddle boats for public use.
The desilting of Madhavaram lake, completed in September 2024 at a cost of ₹4.56 crore, increased the lake’s water storage capacity. Earth removed during the process was used to reinforce the banks, which have been planted with vetiver grass to prevent erosion. A 750-meter walkway is already complete, with an additional 1,650 meters under construction, creating a 2.3-kilometer walking path around the lake. Lighting, seating, toilets, parking, and waiting areas are also being added.
The Manali lake, which receives excess water from Madhavaram lake, features a 1.8-kilometer pedestrian walkway, 95% completed. Further improvements, including a compound wall and platform formation, are estimated to cost ₹11.75 crore. Sluice gates have been installed to prevent sewage from entering the lakes during the dry season.
Official sources indicated that the Ernavur lake may also receive a boating facility in the future.
T.K. Shanmugham, president of the Federation of North Chennai Residents’ Welfare Associations, suggested that the lakes could be used for drinking water supply, addressing the water scarcity issues in the region. He also advocated for the rejuvenation of major canals like the Buckingham Canal for boating activities.
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