Non-Governmental Organisations in the city’s southern suburbs want the State government to play a more active role in protecting lakes and tanks in the newly merged areas that were once part of the southern suburbs.
NGO volunteers said the floating mass of vegetation on the surface of the water bodies, that ought to be removed, was affecting the water storage capacity. If the Chennai Corporation or the Public Works Department took the initiative to remove water hyacinth and also 'Seemai Karuvelam' (Prosopis Juliflora) from the lakes, it will make it easier for NGOs to take up further cleaning of the bunds. V. Subramani of Sabari Green Foundation said: “When we sought permission from Chennai Corporation they directed us to seek PWD. All we need is permission and volunteers begin the clean-up, but there is no positive response from the government.” Corporation officials said they are in touch with PWD to make lakes and tanks ready for the monsoon rains.
