Chatiram Lake, which is presently spread over 2.5 acres, is reported to have been constructed during the Pallava era.

Locals alleged that with the local body officials refraining from carrying out maintenance activities, those living near the lake have started dumping garbage along its banks. They also alleged that sewage was being dumped in the lake illegally by tanker lorries.

“After the sun sets down, anti-social elements consume liquor by the lakeside and throw plastic bottles into the water body,” said a resident of Thandalam village, on condition of anonymity.

According to the residents of this neighbourhood, even the birds and reptiles that used to thrive here have vanished over the past one year, as the water has become very contaminated and unusable. Due to lack of maintenance, significant weed growth has also added to the shrinking of the water body.

Senthil Kumar, a social activist residing in the area, said that he had filed a petition to clean the lake with the panchayat general secretary and Thiruporur BDO several times. “However, no action has been initiated and the water body remains neglected,” he said.

Thandalam panchayat secretary Gopala Krishnan told DT Next, “The lake was last cleaned in 2007. But now, we do not have enough funds to clean the lake again.” He added that the panchayat is willing to collaborate with NGOs to restore the lake.