Chennai's Madhavaram Lake to become city’s first restored lake with jet skis, boating this Pongal

Madhavaram Lake is set to become the first renovated waterbody in Chennai to offer jet ski rides, with facilities likely to open to the public during the Pongal holidays. The move is expected to add a new recreational option for residents of North Chennai.

While boating has been introduced in a few waterbodies earlier, Madhavaram Lake will be the first restored lake in Chennai to provide jet ski rides, marking a first for the city’s urban lakes.

With the addition of boating, Madhavaram Lake becomes the second lake in Chennai to offer such activities. Officials believe this will significantly increase footfall, especially among families and tourists.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has rejuvenated the lake with the aim of turning it into a recreational space for residents and visitors, particularly from North Chennai, which has limited leisure infrastructure.

As part of phase one, restoration work was completed along a 750-metre stretch at an estimated cost of Rs 4.56 crore. The work included desilting, bund formation, construction of a toe wall and footpath, and laying pipelines for sewer-related works.

Phase two restoration, covering 1,600 metres, is currently under way at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore. The scope includes dewatering, desilting, installation of handrails, electrical works, and tree plantation.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation will arrange and operate the jet ski and boating facilities. The services will be managed directly by the department, with ticketing systems in place.

Out of the lake’s total area of 66 acres, around 30 acres have been restored and earmarked for boating and water-based activities, ensuring adequate space and safety for visitors.