There are 13 streets in Adambakkam that are named after rivers. In a cruel irony, the locality is reeling under a water crisis. Drop in the groundwater table and the neglect of Adambakkam lake are cited for the water shortage.
The developing residential area receives Palar water only once in three days. At present, out of the twenty wells in the Palar riverbed, only a couple of them are rechargeable.
The Bharat Nagar Nala Sangam, Adambakkam, which comprises 13 streets, including Cauvery Street, Godhavari Street, Krishna Street, Yamuna Street, Amaravathy Street, Bavani Street, Vaigai Street and Narmadha Street, has requested the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to expedite the drinking water project.
“The CMWSSB has laid the pipes, given the connection, and a trial-run has been conducted. But, we are yet to receive the water supply. The groundwater level in Adambakkam has gone down considerably,” says P. Murthy, secretary, Bharat Nagar Nala Sangam.
The Nala Sangam has requested the Public Works Department (PWD) to de-silt and deepen the Adambakkam lake to improve the groundwater level in Adambakkam.
“Earlier, the groundwater was found at less than 10 feet. Now, we are not certain we’ll find water at a depth of 200 feet or 300 feet, while laying borewells. However, groundwater is assured, due to the presence of water bodies. Rejuvenation of the Adambakkam lake would help recharge the groundwater table in Adambakkam as well as in Nanganallur.
The lake that once covered more than 100 hectares has been reduced to one-tenth of its original size.
At a meeting, involving Adambakkam Residents Welfare Association Federation, PWD and Alandur MLA V.N.P. Venkatraman, that was organised to find ways to salvage the water body, Venkatraman assured steps would be taken to de-silt the lake. Following this, the PWD surveyed the lake area and the encroachments. No further action was taken after surveying,” says Murthy.
He also points out that the rise in the number of residential apartments in the area could be the reason that one has to go 400 to 600 feet to fit borewells. In addition, the residents of Adambakkam want the CMWSSB and the Chennai Corporation to implement the underground drainage and sewer drains systems before the onset of the northeast monsoon.
