In association with Seva Bharathi, waterbody conservation forums — Madipakkam Neer Nilai Punaramaippu Iyakkam, Puzhuthivakkam Neer Nilai Punaramaippu Kuzhu — have de-silted Sitheri, a lake found between Puzhuthivakkam and Madipakkam.
The sprawling waterbody is also known as Sheela Nagar Eri and Puzhuthivakkam Eri.
S. Sethuraman, a member of Madipakkam Neer Nilai Punaramaippu Iyakkam, says, “In the first phase, a portion of the waterbody abutting Medavakkam Main Road in Madipakkam was de-silted and deepened. Also, its bunds abutting Raja Street at Balaiah Garden in Madipakkam have been raised.”
In the next phase, the forums will create four inlet points channelising rainwater from Raja Street into the lake. In addition, the invasive weed seemai karuvelam (Prosopsis juliflora), which is found around the lake, will be removed.
M. Paramasivan, a member of Puzhuthivakkam Neer Nilai Punaramaippu Kuzhu, says, “Steps should be taken by the Greater Chennai Corporation to arrest unauthorised discharge of sewage through rainwater inlets and stormwater drains into the lake.”
Soon, the forums will ensure the bunds of the lake on the Otteri and Sengazhani Amman Kovil Street sides are raised.
