Key facts about Veeranam Lake

Why in the news:

• The water storage in Veeranam Lake was recorded at zero million cubic feet (mcft) in April 2024 according to data by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). Last year, on the same date the lake held 687.40 mcft of water, while its total capacity is 1,465 mcft.

About Veeranam Lake:                                                                    

• Veeranam Lake serves as a crucial drinking water source for Chennai. It is located in Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu. It was considered one of the longest man-made lakes in the world with a length of 14 km.
• History:
  • It was built during the period of Greater Cholas between 907-955 AD, by the Chola Prince- Rajaditya Chola who was the son of Parantaka the 1st. He’d named this waterbody after his father’s title-Veeranarayanan.
  • This lake was used as a reference, in the famous Historical novel Ponniyin Selvan, written by Kalki.
  • The source of Veeranam is the river of Kollidam; which is the Northern distributary of the Cauvery River, where the Vadavaru River links both the Veeranam and Kollidam.