In the early hours of Wednesday, the body of a woman, believed to be in her 60s, was found in the Perungudi lake in a semi-decomposed state.
A few passersby spotted the body floating and alerted the police.
“The police recovered it and sent it for post-mortem. We have to ascertain if this is a murder, a suicide or an accident,” said a police source.
Residents living around the lake said that to prevent such deaths and pollution of the water source, the Public Works Department (PWD) should prevent entry into the lake.
“Many people from the neighbouring slum tenements come here to wash their clothes,” said Eshwar (name changed), a resident of the locality.
Residents said the wall around the lake provided little protection.
“The fencing is weak and there are breaks in the wall through which people from nearby slums and construction sites enter the lake every morning and evening,” added Eshwar.
Others claimed that many come to consume alcohol and for fishing.
“Every morning, one sees signs of open defecation around the lake. Many youngsters come here for a swim and leave behind thermocol swimming aids. This also causes pollution,” said Ravi (name changed), another resident.
During summer, he said, the number of people visiting the lake for swimming and bathing increased.
“Outsiders do not know the depth of the lake and can drown. Placing restrictions on entry is the only way to prevent this and the pollution. The Public Works Department (PWD) has to do something about this,” said Ravi.
Residents say that outsiders do not know the depth
of the waterbody and can drown
