NGOs seek rejuvenation of Chitlapakkam lake

Members of Chitlapakkam Rising, a non-governmental organisation, have appealed to the Water Resources Department officials to rejuvenate Chitlapakkam Eri and to desilt a rainwater canal on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road.

At present, the members, with the support of Nizhal volunteers, are clearing the garbage from the lake bund, located on Third Main Road. Besides, they have placed bins at strategic locations near the lake. Advisory boards have been placed at many spots, requesting residents not to throw garbage into the lake area.

“The water-holding area of the lake is contaminated due to discharge of sewage from households in Tambaram and Tambaram Sanatorium,” says V. Udaya Kumar, founder member, Chitlapakkam Rising.

Members demand that steps be taken to desilt and deepen the lake and form bunds abutting Chitlapakkam Second Main Road. “The inlet channel on GST Road, Tambaram Sanatorium, is supposed to carry excess rainwater from Pachai Malai to the lake. However, the canal does not serve its purpose as it is choked with garbage, muck and construction debris. If steps are taken to desilt the canal, rainwater will flow to the lake, thereby recharging groundwater level in Tambaram Sanatorium and Chitlapakkam,” adds Udaya. They say sewage treatment plants must be set up to prevent illegal discharge of sewage into the lake. To be a volunteer, contact Udaya at 9791468280.