Hyacinth robbing lake of life - Ward 83

With the Korattur Lake forming one part of the boundary, groundwater availability has never been a problem in ward 83, which falls under Ambattur zone. But, the water body is still waiting to completely rejuvenated.

In the past five years, some facilities have been added and upgraded in the ward covering several parts of Korattur north. Better roads and street illumination were among the facilities improved after the areas were merged with the Chennai Corporation.

After much struggle, the lake was taken up for restoration as an eco-tourist spot. However, the water body is covered with thick vegetation as work is being executed in phases.

Thanu S. Pillai, president of Santhosh Nagar Residents Welfare Association, said, “Efforts of the Water Resources Department are being wasted as the work is being executed in phases. The walkers’ path is getting damaged and encroachments need to be removed.”

While residents welcomed a new park on Kandigai Street, they noted that access must be provided on Canal Road as people otherwise have to negotiate a crematorium to reach the park.

Another major issue plaguing the ward is the long-pending construction of a subway to replace the level crossing at Korattur railway station.

J.Govindaraj, a resident of Agraharam, said residents took a detour of 6 km to cover a distance of few metres to reach Korattur south from Korattur north. Streetlights in areas like Elliamman Nagar and Sivalingapuram need better maintenance. Some facilities like lighting are yet to be provided in the Korattur bus stand that was recently improved.

Work to provide water supply and drainage network has been completed in many parts of the ward. However, residents of Madhanankuppam complained that their area was yet to be covered. R.Murugan, a resident said: “Pipeline is yet to be laid for both the projects. We are managing with the tanker water supply which is erratic.”

Listing out the works taken up in the past few years, AIADMK councillor T. Ezhildevi said roads have been laid at a cost of Rs.133 crore and a branch library has been opened in the ward. “After many years, Korattur lake and bus stand are getting a facelift. Four parks have been created in the ward and one more is being developed at Kandigai at a cost of Rs.1.9 crore. Most parts have sufficient drinking water and drainage network and we are encouraging people to get household connections. Efforts are also being taken to construct stormwater drains.”