Chennai: Ever since the ecopark at Chetpet was thrown open to the public, it has enjoyed considerable patronage. The boating facility in particular, was a huge hit among elders and children alike. But of late, there were reports that it has been discontinued owing to various factors.

Clarifying this to News Today, an official said, “Boating operations have not been halted ever since it was inaugurated in 2016.”

“But the water levels have been decreasing, and we are monitoring the same. There are two ponds here. One for fishing and the other for boating. The level is currently at five and ten feet respectively. We have pumped in water from the fishing pond too. I don’t think that boating would be stopped anytime in the coming days,” he said.

According to G Selvakumar who went on a ride with his family, the experience however paled in comparison to how it was earlier.

“I came here last year when the water level was high. The ride was far better and there were birds to watch out for. But now there is hardly any water, so the excitement has come down,” he noted.

However, the number of people visiting the lake just for strolling, has increased considerably.

“While the boating enthusiasts have declined to 200 from 600 everyday, the number of visitors at the complex for walking or the ones visiting the eateries, has been on the rise,” stated the official.

The boating at Chetpet Ecopark is available on all days except Tuesdays from 9 am to 6 pm.