Annai Indira Nagar Residents Welfare Association and Kattabomman Friends Club (which is a 40 year-old voluntary organisation) are planning to restore Nattar Kuttai, a waterbody at Nattar Street in Velachery.
“The waterbody was once spread over one acre. Thanks to encroachments over the years, the tank now measures around 75 cents. It is overrun with shrubs and grass. Garbage is being dumped into it. Until 50 years ago, the water from this tank was supplied to localities in and around Velachery. If maintained well, it will help replenish the groundwater table. Besides that, excess rainwater will flow into the tank and help prevent flooding of the locality. Therefore, we are trying to revive whatever is remaining of the tank," says S. Kumara Raja, president of the residents welfare association.
The association made a representation to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) which is now reviving many waterbodies in and around the city as part of a corporate social responsibility exercise.
“We were told that Nattar Kuttai is under the maintenance of the Public Works Department. But CREDAI is taking up waterbodies that are under the maintenance of Greater Chennai Corporation,” says Kumara Raja. Both Annai Indra Nagar Residents Welfare Association and Kattabomman Friends Club will be organising a clean-up of Nattar Kuttai soon, for which they are inviting volunteers.
Those interested to take part can call S. Kumara Raja at 9444132926 or 9003088704.
