Residents of Mudichur have requested the Water Resources Department to take steps to desilt and deepen Seekana lake in Mudichur to prevent flooding of the residential areas around it. During the 2015 December Deluge, the polluted lake was unable to hold excess rainwater, which resulted in the flooding of the neighbourhood. K. V. Jamin, secretary, Mudichur Gramma Uratchi Kudiyirupor Pathugapu Nala Sangam, said, “I have seen this place changing over a period of time — that is, before and after the laying of the Outer Ring Road. Over the years, the lake has been encroached upon and owing to dumping of garbage, it has shrunk considerably. Several representations to the District Collector, Tambaram MLA, Tahsildar and Block Development Officer, Kancheepuram Collectorate, seeking their intervention aimed at having the lake desilted and deepened, have gone in vain.”
One of the channels of lake, which is connected to Adyar river, has also been encroached upon. “If the lake is desilted and the channels cleared of garbage, it would improve the groundwater table in the neighbourhood and also prevent flooding during monsoon,” he added. Residents say that before desilting and deepening works are carried out, steps must be taken to survey the lake and mark the boundaries of the river. Also, encroachments on the lake area as well as the channels should be removed.
“Though one side of the lake has been surveyed, fences have not been raised. There are no markings either,” residents said. The Tambaram Tahsildar has promised to do the the needful.
