Selaiyur lake is receiving the benefits of a restoration effort. So far, for about one kilometre, the lake bunds have been cleared of unwanted vegetation and garbage, says Sabari Green Foundation (SGF), the voluntary organisation that is carrying out this exercise with permission from the Water Resources Department.
It may be noted that earlier, SGF had cleared the lake of seemai karuvelam (Prosopsis Juliflora) and garage, in association Eco-Trust India, Makkal Padhai, Seva Bharathi and Sri Sarvamangala Nagar Residents Association.
The groups have issued a call for more volunteers to join them in this exercise (for volunteering, call V. Subramani, founder, SGF, at 9884026023).
The equipment to execute this work is being provided by Seva Bharathi and the Karur unit of Sabari Green Foundation.
In the second phase, the lake will be desilted, deepened and bunds strengthened, followed by plantation of saplings, says SGF which has formed a Whatsapp group ‘Selaiyur Lake Rejuvenation Forum’.
R.A. Ravi, district coordinator, south Chennai, Makkal Padhai, says, “Sewage is being let into the lake; it is essential to set up a sewage treatment plant and let only treated water into it. Steps must be taken to create a walkers’ path on the bunds.”
Madipakkam lake gets a walkers’ club
Residents of Madipakkam and visitors have created the ‘Madipakkam Lake Walkers Club’, which they believe will go a long way towards protecting the waterbody.
While thanking S. Aravind Ramesh, Sholinganallur MLA, for having allocated funds for installation of fences and extension of the walkers’ path, members of the newly-formed Club have urged the Water Resources Department (WRD) to provide a ‘No Objection Certificate’ to Greater Chennai Corporation for strengthening the bunds and laying a walkers’ pathway at Karthikeyapuram side of the lake.
An official of the Water Resources Department says, “On the Karthikeyapuram side, the lake has been desilted but steps must be taken to install a fence and lay pavements surrounding the bunds.”
On the occasion, the Club thanked the State Highways Department for constructing a culvert on Medavakkam High Road, Madipakkam.
