Nanmangalam lake leaves a lot to be desired

Arul Murugan Nandavanam Nagar Development & Welfare Association in Nanmangalam sees the need for construction of a drain to carry surplus water from Nanmangalam lake. “An existing drain is encroached upon. In the absence of a drain to carry the surplus water from the lake, water overflows and the residential localities around the lake gets flooded during rainy season,” says T Thinagaran, the Association’s president. It is one of the long-pending demands of the Association. “Water remains stagnant for three to four feet on roads for two days. Further, water enters some houses. Arul Murugan Nandavanam Nagar is the worst-affected as it is situated near the lake. Besides, parts of Veeramani Nagar and Kamalam Nagar are affected. Hence, a drain should be constructed carrying surplus water to Keezhkattalai lake,” says R Gokula Krishnan, a resident of Nanmangalam. As it is summer now, the Association suggests that the authorities concerned should take steps to construct a drain. Another issue plaguing the lake is sewage discharge. “There is a stormwater drain from Sembakkam area connected to Nanmangalam lake. But instead of rainwater, sewage is being discharged into the lake through this drain. Besides, a gated community with 200 flats also lets out sewage into the lake,” adds Gokula Krishnan. He also points out that the lake has not been desilted for the past two years. “As the cleaning exercise was not carried out, the storage capacity is poor. It needs to be improved upon. Besides, the lake should be fenced to prevent dumping of garbage and a walkway should be laid. It is a huge waterbody and if it is developed along the lines of Chetpet lake, it will be a leisure spot for local residents. This will keep a check on encroachments in the lake,” adds Gokula Krishnan.