North Chennai, particularly the Manali region, is a rapidly urbanizing landscape shaped by expanding industries, changing land use, and growing population pressures. Situated within the Kosasthalayar river basin, this belt was once defined by its network of wetlands, open lands, and water bodies that supported both ecology and local livelihoods. Today, exponential growth, land degradation, and the loss of natural drainage systems have increased the region’s vulnerability to flooding, water scarcity, and environmental stress highlighting the urgent need for resilient, nature-based interventions.
the Ariyalur New Lake is a newly established water body, emerges as a strategic Blue-Green initiative transforming a government-owned industrial estate land parcel which is completely covered with invasive weeds, debris and garbage into a functional water-holding system. Developed through a collaborative effort with administrative support from the Greater Chennai Corporation, funding from the Hinduja Foundation and Gulf Oil, and implemented by Environmental Foundation of India, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving water security, restoring ecological balance, and building climate resilience in one of Chennai’s most dynamic urban frontiers.
Volunteer for Chennai & Her Environment with E.F.I.