Chennai: Tambaram corporation on Monday started removing water hyacinth from Selaiyur and Perungalathur lakes as part of its efforts to prevent flooding in the southern suburb ahead of monsoon. The initiative will extend to other lakes, including Madambakkam and Peerkankaranai.
Residents are, however, irked over the lack of a clear, long-term plan to tackle sewage inflow, the root cause of water hyacinth growth. "Water hyacinth removal is just a short-term fix. These plants will grow back soon. The real issue is the untreated sewage flowing into the lakes, which the corporation has failed to address," said an environmental activist from Mudichur, Suresh Venkat.
Residents grew impatient after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Aug identified five sewage channels discharging waste from nearby housing colonies into Madambakkam lake during an inspection earlier this year. Despite this, the corporation has yet to announce measures to stop the sewage inflow.
Nemilichery lake in Chromepet, once restored by local residents at a cost of 25 lakh before the pandemic, faces a similar problem. The lake is now overrun with sewage and water hyacinths. "We spent years restoring this lake, but now it's just another sewage dump. Multiple petitions and protests have not led to sustainable solutions," said S Rajesh, a volunteer from the lake restoration project.
Corporation officials said efforts are underway to address the larger sewage issue through a renovation project targeting the sewage network in Pallavaram, Chromepet, Keelkattalai, and Nanmangalam areas with significant water bodies spanning over 100 acres.
A 80-crore detailed project report (DPR) was submitted to state govt, but only partial funding was approved. "We are awaiting funds for critical upgrades, including replacing pumping motors at the Keelkattalai sewage station and refurbishing several sewage lifting stations," said corporation commissioner S Balachander.
He added that underground drainage work in Pammal and Anakaputhur is nearing completion, and 1.70 crore has been sought to extend the system to Selaiyur and Madambakkam.