VEERANAM LAKE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: After Bengaluru, Chennai residents are facing the worrying prospect of a water crisis as summer heat intensifies Veeranam Lake, one of the city’s primary water sources, has already run dry.

Veeranam Lake

• Location: Also known as Veeranarayanapuram Lake, is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) SSW of Nattarmangalam in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, South India.
• Distance from Chennai: Located approximately 235 km (146 mi) from Chennai, India, Veeranam Lake serves as a water reservoir intended to supply water to Chennai.
• Drought Situation: The lake had dried up, rendering it unusable for water supply. To address this, authorities resorted to digging 45 deep borewells around the area and pumping water 235 km (146 mi) to Chennai via a pipeline.
• Longest Man-made Lake: With a length of 14 km, Veeranam Lake holds the distinction of being the longest man-made lake globally. It was constructed by ancient people using rudimentary hand tools.
• Historical Significance: Built in the Tenth Century during the reign of Greater Cholas, from 907–955 AD, Veeranam Lake spans 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) and was commissioned by Rajaditya Chola, who named it after his father, Parantaka I Chola.
• Water Sources: Veeranam Lake receives water from Kollidam via Vadavaru River. Despite its significant size, the lake often remains dry for a considerable part of the year.