The Veeranam lake that was dug more than 1,000 years ago by the Chola kings in the then South Arcot district of Tamil Nadu has become a saviour for the city. Many residents are unaware that the lake meets more than 35% of city’s water requirement. Now, the lake is brimming with water due to the release from Mettur dam.

The released water reached the lake last Wednesday. This is the second time the lake is full to its maximum capacity in the last one year, said public works chief engineer P Jeyaraman.

A Metrowater engineer said the total capacity of the lake is 1,465 million cubic feet (mcft) of water. Currently, 6 mcft, or 180 million litres, is being drawn from the lake every day. This water reaches the city through pipes passing through Villupuram and Kancheepuram districts.

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