Residents of Chitlapakkam and Sembakkam are happy that the process of restoring Sembakkam lake got under way on October 27.
A team of environmental scientists and researchers from Care Earth Trust, a non-governmental organisation, working towards conservation of bio-diversity, Indian Institute of Technology – Madras and The Nature Conservancy will be involved in the restoration process.
M. Nisha Priya, project manager-cities, The Nature Conservancy, said, “A team of environmental scientists and researchers conducted a hydro-geological survey based on which our restoration plans have been developed. The restoration is a science-led approach. Under the first phase, we will begin with the removal of aquatic weeds, especially water hyacinth, which seems to have taken over the lake.”
The restoration work is being carried out after obtaining the necessary permission from the Water Resources Department.
The removal of water hyacinth is very crucial in restoring the native biodiversity of the lake. Removing them will also prevent clogging of outflow channels of the lake. This will be followed by de-silting and deepening works. The de-silted silt from the lake will be used for forming and strengthening the bunds, and followed by creation of perches for birds. “Plants will be grown on the bunds of the lake. We are also working out with the local bodies for addressing the problems around sewage disposal into the lake,” she added.
P. Viswanathan, convener, Chitlapakkam Residents Association Coordination Committee, said, “The lake should be restored and rejuvenated and bunds formed. Apart from desilting, steps must be taken to arrest discharge of sewage through stormwater drains.”
K. Ramakrishna, executive committe member, Sri Sarvamangala Nagar Residents Association, Chitlapakkam, said, “The groundwater is contaminated as sewage is being let into it through stormwater drains. An underground drainage system should be constructed and steps must be taken to ensure that stormwater drains carry rainwater to the nearby waterbodies.”
M. Ravi, secretary, SSMNRA, said, “The bund on the eastern side of the lake should be strengthened. At present, sewage is discharged into the lake from Pallavaram, Chitlapakkam, Sembakkam and Tambaram.”
Nisha Priya appreciated the residents of Chitlapakkam, Sembakkam and Pallavaram for their interest in restoration of waterbodies.
Viswanathan said, “Upon restoration, water will be stored in the lake, the quality of water will improve, groundwater will get re-charged and wells and bores in the residential homes surrounding the sprawling waterbody will get recharged. Water scarcity will be a thing of the past.”
K.N. Ramachandran, Member of Parliament, Sriperumbudur constituency; S.R. Raja, Member of Legislative Assembly, Tambaram constituency; and C. Rajendran, former Member of Parliament, South Chennai; participated.