Ambattur aeri, or Ambattur lake, is a rain-fed reservoir which reaches top levels during the monsoon seasons. In November 2008, incessant monsoon rain filled the lake and encroachments on the north and south banks of the lake were demolished. It also caters to the drinking water needs of the Chennai city after Poondi and Chembarambakkam Lake.

Ambattur aeri
View of Ambattur lake
Ambattur Lake
Location within Tamil Nadu
Location within Tamil Nadu
Ambattur aeri
LocationAmbattur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinates13°06′N 80°08′E / 13.10°N 80.14°E / 13.10; 80.14
TypeReservoir
Basin countriesIndia
Surface area440 acres (180 ha) (water spread area)[1]
SettlementsChennai

Ambattur Lake is one of a chain of three water bodies, including Korattur Lake and Madhavaram Lake, where surplus water from one is transported to another.[2]

The lake as seen during a dry season

Pollution

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This lake is polluted chiefly by sewage waste in the Ayapakkam area.[citation needed]

Biodiversity

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Ambattur lake, together with the Korattur lake and the Retteri lake, is an important wildlife refuge in northern and western parts of Chennai. According to the Care Earth Trust, a city-based biodiversity research organisation, nearly 40 bird species are present in these lakes, including common tailorbird, the purple-rumped sunbird, and the migratory Asian openbill stork.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Lakshmi, K. (26 November 2019). "Three more lakes to be added to city's drinking water sources". The Hindu. Chennai: Kasturi & Sons. p. 3. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  2. ^ Lakshmi, K. (30 July 2013). "Residents to have hand in beautification of Korattur lake". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. ^ "Soon, lakes in western suburbs will attract birdwatchers". The Hindu. Chennai: Kasturi & Sons. 15 July 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2018.