Around 200 people took part in a five-km walkathon organised by Velachery Eri Padhukappu Iyakkam, on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The forum aims to restore Velachery lake, and the walkathon was aimed at drawing attention to issues plaguing the waterbody. The walkathon started at the lake on TNHB Colony Main Road and ended at Dr. Ambedkar Nagar in Velachery.
During the event, participants raised slogans requesting the public to refrain from discharging sewage into the waterbody.
V. Kamakshi Sundaram, secretary of the forum, “Over the years, the lake has shrunk due to encroachments. Also, the water in the lake is contaminated due to discharge of sewage through stormwater drains. Recently following our request, the Greater Chennai Corporation, cleared the weeds and removed garbage. However, the work was stopped midway,”
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The forum has given a representation to the Greater Chennai Corporation, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), and Public Works Department which seeks to restore the lake.
Members of Sabari Green Foundation, another organisation which focusses on restoration of waterbodies also took part in the walkathon.
V. Subramani, founder, Sabari Green Foundation, says “It is learnt that the State government has allocated ₹.100 crore towards restoration of waterbodies in Chennai. The exercise should be taken up at the earliest.”
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D. R. Nagarajan, manager, Asia Pacific Region - Special Olympics, and a resident of Velachery, says, “If Velachery lake is restored, boating and rowing competitions can be conducted.”