Residents of Moovarasampet are upset that there is no let-up in the dumping of garbage in Moovarasampet lake, despite the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directing the Moovarsampet village panchayat to ensure garbage is not dumped in the lake.
Residents complain the village panchayat continues to dump garbage in the lake despite an interim order restraining them from doing so.
Following an application from P. Varatharajan, a long-time resident of Moovarsampet, the National Green Tribunal, Chennai, granted an interim injunction in August, restraining the panchayat from dumping waste in the lake. The sprawling waterbody, located between Moovarasampet and Pallavaram, provides local residents with water that could be used for drinking and other purposes. It is the only resource when it comes to recharging the groundwater table in areas such as Pallavaram, Moovarasampet and nearby areas.
“ The NGT order should be implemented and the garbage taken to the Perungudi landfill for segregation. Every day, on an average, around five tonnes of garbage is dumped in the lake and is being burnt. Moreover, hospital wastes are also dumped,” residents said.
Residents of Ganga Nagar, Sabapathy Nagar, Raghava Nagar, Gokulam Nagar, Defence Colony and Senthuran Nagar are among those affected the most.
Residents are prone to allergies, skin diseases and other health-related problems. Stray dogs and pigs roam in large numbers around the residential colonies posing a threat to residents. Efforts to contact D.A. Bhakthavatchalam, vice-president, Moovarasamepet village panchayat, proved futile.
