Celebrating World Lake Day 2025: Chennai’s Lakes and Why They Matter

Introduction

On August 27, 2025, the world will celebrate the very first World Lake Day. This day is meant to remind us of the importance of lakes—not just as water bodies, but as lifelines that support biodiversity, regulate climate, recharge groundwater, and provide fresh water for millions of people.

For Chennai, this global day carries a special meaning. Our city has always depended on its lakes and reservoirs for survival. But rapid urbanization, pollution, and encroachments have reduced many of them to just names on old maps. Still, there is hope—many of Chennai’s lakes are being restored, and communities are slowly realizing that protecting lakes means protecting ourselves.

Why Lakes Matter

Lakes are not just collections of water. They are powerful ecosystems that play a direct role in our lives:

• Freshwater supply: Lakes serve as reservoirs for drinking water, agriculture, and industries.
  
• Flood control: During heavy rains, lakes act like sponges, holding excess rainwater and preventing floods.
  
• Groundwater recharge: They allow rainwater to seep into the ground, maintaining the water table.
  
• Biodiversity hotspots: From fish to migratory birds, lakes are home to countless species.
  
• Climate balance: They cool urban areas, reduce heat, and store carbon.
  
• Community well-being: Lakes offer spaces for walking, recreation, and peace of mind in the middle of busy city life.

Chennai’s Important Lakes

Chennai once had over 600 water bodies, but today only a fraction remain active. Here are some of the most significant lakes of Chennai and their benefits:

1. Chembarambakkam Lake

• One of Chennai’s largest reservoirs, covering nearly 3,800 acres.
  
• Supplies drinking water to a huge part of the city.
  
• Feeds into the Adyar River, acting as both a water source and flood regulator.

2. Pu zhal Lake (Red Hills Reservoir)

• Another major drinking water reservoir.
  
• Crucial during drought years when rainfall is low.
  
• Supports fishing and small-scale livelihoods for local communities.

3. Ambattur Lake

• Spread across nearly 440 acres, it provides drinking water after Chembarambakkam and Poondi.
  
• Acts as a habitat for more than 40 species of birds.
  
• Functions along with Korattur and Madhavaram lakes to balance western Chennai’s water needs.

4. Korattur Lake

• A massive lake covering nearly 990 acres.
  
• Key for water supply during shortages.
  
• Supports migratory birds, making it an ecological treasure.

5. Chetpet Lake

• A small but important urban lake of around 16 acres.
  
• Known for groundwater recharge.
  
• Recently developed into an eco-park, giving city residents green space and recreational activities.

6. Perungudi Lake

• Located close to the IT corridor.
  
• Acts as a flood buffer and supports groundwater levels.
  
• Connected to Pallikaranai Marshlands, which are biodiversity hotspots.

7. Paruthipattu (Avadi) Lake

• Restored and developed into an eco-park with walking tracks, bird islands, and children’s play areas.
  
• Sewage treatment plants pump treated water into the lake, maintaining water quality.

8. Velachery Lake

• Once a lifeline for agriculture and fisheries in the area.
  
• Plays a big role in groundwater recharge and flood control.
  
• Revival of this lake is crucial for southern Chennai’s urban resilience.

9. Sembakkam Lake

• Restored to increase storage by 40%.
  
• Enhances flood protection and improves water quality.
  
• Supports migratory birds and other wildlife.

Benefits of Protecting Chennai’s Lakes

• Water Security: More clean water for households and industries.
  
• Flood Prevention: Stronger lakes reduce the risk of devastating floods during monsoon.
  
• Livelihoods: Fishing and related activities can sustain local communities.
  
• Health & Environment: Clean lakes mean less mosquito breeding, better air, and improved groundwater.
  
• Biodiversity: Restored lakes attract birds, improve soil quality, and enhance green cover.
  
• Recreation & Mental Health: Well-maintained lakes with parks and walking paths give people space to relax and heal.

How We Can Protect Them

Protecting lakes is not only the job of the government—it starts with us. Here’s how every citizen can contribute:

1. Join clean-up drives – Be part of local community groups or NGOs that regularly clean lakeshores.
   
2. Avoid dumping waste – Stop throwing garbage, sewage, or construction debris into lakes.
   
3. Promote rainwater harvesting – Reduce dependence on lakes by harvesting rain at home.
   
4. Plant native trees – Support tree-planting drives around lakes to strengthen bunds and attract birds.
   
5. Raise awareness – Use social media, schools, and community groups to educate others about the importance of lakes.
   
6. Support eco-parks – Visit restored lakes like Chetpet and Paruthipattu. The more people use them responsibly, the more they’ll be protected.
   
7. Celebrate World Lake Day – Organize or join events like awareness walks, clean-ups, and educational lake tours.

Conclusion

World Lake Day 2025 is not just about one day of celebration. For a city like Chennai, where lakes once numbered in the hundreds, this day is a reminder of what we have lost—and what we can still save. Lakes like Chembarambakkam, Puzhal, Ambattur, Korattur, Velachery, and Sembakkam are not just water bodies; they are part of our city’s soul.

If we protect our lakes, we protect our health, our water security, our biodiversity, and our future. On this first-ever World Lake Day, let’s pledge not only to admire these water bodies but to take responsibility for them—because saving Chennai’s lakes means saving Chennai itself.

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