The lake had been used as a source of drinking water in the region since the 1930s, when the reservoir was constructed.

[2] Till the 1950s, the reservoir was treated through a filtration unit and supplied as drinking water.

From the 1950s, the reservoir began to get polluted due to mixing with oil waste and later by linking stormwater drain from the Villivakkam area, and drinking water supply was discontinued.

[5] The ICF has planned to build a greenhouse, covering 15,000 square feet, at a cost of ₹7.5 million.

It will have four chambers housing herbal, flower, ornamental, and indoor plants.