Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has started the rehabilitation of three ponds in Madhavaram zone to store excess rainwater and raise the groundwater level. The civic body has allocated ₹1.1 crore for the renewal and improvement works aimed at strengthening the city's water conservation efforts during monsoon.GCC has floated tenders to restore three water bodies – Ramachandra pond, Padavattamman temple pond and Oothukulam pond – and make them available to the public. In addition to restoration, beautification work is also being carried out at these locations.“Last year, desilting, construction of footpaths and installation of handrails at Ramachandra pond were completed at an estimated cost of ₹ 1.5 crore. Another ₹ 40 lakh was allocated for construction of a compound wall to prevent accidents involving children and curb garbage dumping,” said T Ganesan, zonal officer, Madhavaram. After monsoon, a caretaker's room and landscaping work will also be taken up. After complete restoration, it will serve as a recreational place for local residents. Similarly, development work on Oothukulam pond in Lakshmi Nagar, Madhavaram will be started. “Earlier, the pond was used as a source of drinking water. Desilting is being carried out along with construction of a compound wall, toilets, water supply and electrical systems and landscaping. The work is likely to begin after monsoon and will help improve groundwater quality,” the official said.The renovation of the three ponds was welcomed by residents of north Chennai as these water bodies once served as sources of drinking water under the erstwhile city administration. “After the area came under GCC, maintenance was neglected. Now that rehabilitation work is underway, groundwater quality will improve,” said TK Shanmugam of North Chennai Residents' Welfare Association.