How about a little nature therapy? I would like to tell you a story about Korattur Lake also known as Korattur Aeri. It is a stunning lake spread over 990 acres in Korattur.
Korattur Lake is one of the largest lakes in the western part of Chennai. Imagine the vastness of this lake. Envision the serene water reflecting the sky above.
This lake is not alone. Korattur Lake is part of a chain of three water bodies. These include Ambattur Aeri and Madhavaram Aeri. Surplus water from one lake is transported to another. This system helps manage water resources effectively.
Back in the late 1970s Korattur Lake briefly supplied water to Chennai residents. This happened when there was a water shortage. Over the years the lake faced challenges. Sewage and industrial effluents from nearby areas contaminated it. These areas included Pattaravakkam, Athipet and Ambattur.
In 2013 a decision was made to rejuvenate and beautify Korattur Lake. The plan included parks and walkways. The total project cost was ₹ 600 million. In 2018 the corporation removed about 550 encroachments along the lake’s bank. The bund was strengthened for 3 kilometers.
Korattur Lake is a vital wildlife refuge. It is home to nearly 40 bird species. The Care Earth Trust has studied the lake’s biodiversity. You might spot a common tailorbird. Or perhaps a purple-rumped sunbird. The migratory Asian openbill stork also visits.
Until recently Korattur Lake had abundant greenery. Natural vegetation thrived along the bund. Palmyrah date palm and umbrella thorn trees dotted the landscape. Water hyacinth water lily and wetland rushes grew in the water.
Many large and rare birds frequent Korattur Lake. Grey pelicans painted storks and Asian openbills are among them. Grey herons and large egrets are also seen. Divers like little grebes and common teals inhabit the lake. Purple swamphens common moorhens and coots are also present. Waders include white-breasted waterhens and Indian pond herons.
Keep an eye out for black-crowned night herons and cattle egrets. Little egrets and rare birds like common snipes can also be spotted. Black-winged stilts chestnut bitterns black bitterns and cinnamon bitterns occasionally appear. Other rare birds include pheasant-tailed jacanas and common kingfishers. White-throated kingfishers and pied kingfishers also reside here.
Other birdlife thrives around Korattur Lake. Black-rumped flameback woodpeckers and rose-ringed parakeets are common. You might see a black drongo or a paddyfield pipit. Blue jays golden orioles and common mynahs are often present. Eurasian hoopoes Indian swiftlets and swallows fly around. Coppersmith barbets Asian green bee-eaters and blue-tailed bee-eaters add color. Asian koels Jacobin cuckoos coucals and rufous treepies can be found. Birds of prey like spotted owlets black kites and shikras hunt here. Black-winged kites are also seen.
Threatened reptiles live in and around the lake. Indian flapshell turtles and water snakes are present. Checkered keelbacks olive keelbacks and striped keelbacks can be found. Tree snakes like Daudin’s bronzeback and green vine snakes inhabit the area. Land snakes include common wolf snakes streaked kukri snakes and Oriental ratsnakes. Even venomous spectacled cobras and common kraits occur but are rare.
Lizards like Oriental garden lizards and skinks are present. Keeled Indian mabuyas bronze mabuyas and Lygosoma punctata can be seen. Bengal monitors are rare threatened and protected.
Amphibians are active during the monsoon. Green pond frogs skittering frogs and Jerdon’s bullfrogs appear. Indian bullfrogs Indian tree frogs and Asian common toads are also present. Ornate narrow-mouthed frogs Microhyla rubra and Ramanella variegata occur.
Mammals are rare at Korattur Lake. Indian grey mongooses and Indian palm squirrels are commonly seen. The Indian pipistrelle bat is often seen during late evenings.
An eco-park was constructed on the left bank of Korattur Lake. It was sponsored through the Swachhta Action Plan. The park covers 30000 sq ft. It features a lawn ornamental plants a jogging track a yoga platform and benches. In October 2020 saplings were planted around the lake.
Korattur Lake faces challenges like sewage contamination and encroachments. Restoration efforts are essential to preserve this vital ecosystem. The lake needs our attention to protect its biodiversity. Let us appreciate and protect this natural treasure.