Members of Tambaram Makkal Kuzhu, Lakshmipuram Extension Welfare Association (LEWA), Raj Mohan Nagar Welfare Association and Old State Bank Colony Welfare Association, West Tambaram, recently submitted a petition to K.N. Ramachandran, Sriperumbudur MP, seeking allocation of funds for the restoration of ‘Puthu Thangal Eri’, located off Mudichur Road, West Tambaram.
T.M. Raj, president, LEWA, said, “The waterbody is contaminated due to discharge of sewage from MullaiNagar, through stormwater drains. Several representations to the officials of the Tambaram Municipality have gone in vain. Excess rainwater from the lake should be let into Papan Kalvai on Mudichur Road. If steps are taken to desilt and deepen the waterbody and arrest discharge of sewage, there will be a considerable increase in the groundwater level in Lakshmipuram, CTO Colony, Mullai Nagar, Raj Mohan Nagar, Ambal Nagar, Old State Bank Colony and Kannadapalayam.”
At present, the residents of Tambaram receive Palar drinking water four times in a month. While they use this water for drinking, they rely on groundwater for ablutions and cleaning of household items. Requests have been made to take steps to lay a walkers’ pathway, plant saplings, form a new bund and strengthen the existing bund. “In 2015, the PWD cleared encroachments and formed bunds only on the northern side (Raj Mohan Nagar). Enroachments on the Kannadapalayam and Mullai Nagar sides of the waterbody should be removed,” the residents pointed out.
Ramachandran assured the members that he would take up the issue with the Kancheepuram district Collector.
