Perungudi Lake Restoration

Notes

• Perungudi Lake is experiencing a rapid spread of invasive water hyacinth, which was absent for nearly a decade.
• Water hyacinth proliferation is linked to contaminated water, leading to restricted water movement, increased stagnation, and reduced oxygen levels.
• Environmental impact: Over 1,000 fish deaths reported in the lake during May and June.
• Pollution sources: Discharge of sewage from households via old stormwater drains, washing activities by residents, and encroachments on lake banks.
• Potential cause for nutrient enrichment: Recent government initiatives involving the discharge of treated sewage water into the lake.
• Community involvement: The Perungudi Lake Area Neighbourhood Environment Transformation (PLANET) Association is leading manual cleaning efforts.
• Governance challenges: Lack of sustained maintenance and coordination between the Greater Chennai Corporation, Public Works Department (PWD), and Water Resources Department (WRD).

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Greater Chennai Corporation lake restoration projects, which has been running since 6 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• Greater Chennai Corporation lake restoration projects Before
• The whole story 2 entries