Madhavaram Lake becomes first to offer jet ski rides in Chennai | Chennai News

Chennai: Madhavaram Lake is set to become the first renovated waterbody in the city offering jet ski facilities for revellers. It will also become the second lake in Chennai to offer boating for visitors. Rejuvenated and developed as a recreational hub by the Greater Chennai Corporation, the waterbody is expected to become a major leisure destination, drawing residents and tourists to North Chennai.The civic body carried out the restoration and rejuvenation of the lake at an estimated cost of Rs 4.56 crore under phase one. As part of this phase, 750 metres were completed, including desilting, bund formation, construction of a toe wall and footpath, and installation of pipelines for sewer works. In phase two, works covering 1,600 metres are in progress at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore and include dewatering, desilting, installation of handrails, electrical works, and tree plantation.“The restoration work was completed along a 750-metre stretch, and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) will make arrangements for jet ski and boating facilities, which will be managed by the department itself. The facility is expected to be opened to the public during the Pongal holidays. The North Chennai lake will be the first in the city to offer jet ski facilities with ticketing and is expected to attract visitors, especially tourists,” said Regional Deputy Commissioner (North) Katta Ravi Teja.Of the total 66-acre lake, the corporation restored 30 acres for boating activities. The TTDC has formed a committee to decide on the boating charges.Meanwhile, to prevent untreated sewage from entering the lake, the civic agency installed a sluice gate and closed existing sewage outlets as part of the restoration project. “During the monsoon season, the sluice gate will be opened only to release excess rainwater into the lake through the stormwater drain. The excess water will flow to Puzhal Lake through Manali Lake,” added Ravi Teja.The initiative to introduce water rides at a North Chennai lake has been welcomed by residents, who have urged the concerned departments to ensure proper maintenance of the waterbody, as a large number of visitors are expected. “The lake was restored after a long time, and this is a welcome project for North Chennai as a leisure destination in the region. The civic body is developing eco-parks and implementing several projects in North Chennai, and it is important that the lake is well maintained,” said S Vetrirajan, a resident of Madhavaram.