There are hundreds of waterbodies in the southern suburbs. Their locations and sizes may vary. Yet, they share two common problems — encroachments and being used as makeshift garbage dumps.
However, there seems to be more awareness among citizens now and many initiatives are coming up to protect the lakes. Residents and activists say every waterbody faces a threat, be it the one in Adambakkam that is heavily encroached upon; Madambakkam that lost its boundary or those at Keelkattalai and Pallavaram, being used as garbage dumps.
In a bid to protect these sources, the State government recently announced the formation of a Sustainable Water Security Mission involving organisations such as the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI). The mission will also include raising awareness and involving residents in cleaning of the lakes. Arun Krishnamurthy, founder of EFI, said: “Many people volunteered to clean lakes in Mudichur, Perumbakkam, Keelkattalai, Madambakkam and Sholinganallur. The Hindu ’s Friends of Chennai campaign has helped us gain better reach among residents.”
Pointing out that residents’ apathy was another reason for the degradation of lakes, Mr. Krishnamurthy said the involvement of policymakers was a positive move towards lake restoration. “Our next move will be to work with the government for scientific restoration of waterbodies,” he added.
