Work on developing Kollankulam, one of the city’s major water bodies, into a recreational spot is progressing steadily, with Tiruchi Corporation aiming to complete the project within the next four months.

Spread over 55 acres, the beautification project will cover 45.48 acres. Kollankulam’s bunds extend across Edamalaipattipudur and Karumandapam, falling under Ward Nos. 56, 57, and 58 of the Corporation.

The project is being implemented in three phases—two on the Edamalaipattipudur side and one on the Karumandapam side. The Corporation has sanctioned ₹8.91 crore each for Phases I and II, and ₹6.40 crore for Phase III, taking the total project cost to ₹26.40 crore under the Capital Grant Fund 2022–23.

The proposal to rejuvenate the lake and develop it into a recreational space was mooted in August 2023 following demands from residents. Preliminary works began in March 2024 but were stalled due to legal hurdles. After the issues were resolved, work commenced in July 2025.

The waterbody receives surplus rainwater from KK Nagar, Crawford, Edamalaipattipudur and Panjapur, resulting in overflow from the tank, often causing waterlogging in nearby residential areas during heavy rain.

As part of the proposal, a sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 2 million litres per day will be set up to prevent wastewater from entering the tank. The waterbody will be desilted and cleared of weeds, bunds will be strengthened and levelled to create a walking track and bicycle track for 500 metres and retaining walls will be constructed to prevent water overflow.

Construction of retaining walls, bund strengthening and weed removal are currently under way. Officials expect to complete these works before the onset of the monsoon to minimise the risk of waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

However, progress on the Karumandapam stretch has slowed due to issues related to the removal of encroachments along the lake. Despite this, Corporation officials said the project is expected to be completed within the next four months.