Chennai’s Valasaravakkam and Porur neighborhoods, home to over 500,000 residents, have long battled persistent flooding and traffic congestion—problems that worsened near metro rail construction zones. Now, a transformative initiative by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is turning a once-neglected, four-acre parcel of land into a thriving ecosystem. Formerly a slushy, garbage-strewn plot, the area has been reclaimed to form a three-acre pond, already filled with 1.5 million cubic feet of water, and will soon be developed into a vibrant eco-park at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore.
Located just 200 meters off Arcot Road on First Main Road, the newly formed Subramania Venkateshara Swamy pond exemplifies the city’s push towards sustainable, community-centered development. The lake’s design includes multiple tree islands to attract birdlife, an elevated bund to deter encroachments, and planned pathways for pedestrians. Over the coming months, GCC will introduce footpaths, parking areas, lush landscaping, gazebos, toilet blocks, and even an open-air theatre. The addition of recreational boating—similar to the experience at Chetpet Lake—aims to draw both residents and tourists, injecting a fresh recreational dimension into a neighborhood that previously lacked such amenities.
This undertaking isn’t just an aesthetic enhancement. It addresses core infrastructural challenges. The newly constructed pond acts as a natural reservoir, absorbing road runoff and filtering stormwater before it enters the main drainage systems, significantly reducing the risk of standing water and its associated inconveniences. Deputy Commissioner (Works) V. Sivakrishnamurthy notes that local residents from 13 nearby streets, including Jai Nagar and Sairram Nagar, had repeatedly requested a long-term solution. Within just one month of acquiring and rehabilitating the abandoned private land, GCC delivered a tangible improvement that not only mitigates flood risks but also supports environmental biodiversity.
As the project progresses, authorities are also considering implementing boundary walls, gated entrances, arches, and round-the-clock security personnel to maintain cleanliness and deter illegal dumping or encroachment. Such measures will preserve the ecological integrity of the park, ensuring it remains a clean, safe, and welcoming space for the entire community.
This forward-thinking approach reflects a growing trend in Chennai’s urban planning: harnessing nature-based solutions to combat environmental challenges, enhance quality of life, and stimulate local tourism. By blending flood mitigation with green recreation and community engagement, Valasaravakkam’s new eco-park and lake set a precedent for similar projects across the city—and beyond.