[1]Porur lake, one of the large water bodies in suburban Chennai, is muddied with garbage strewn along the bund and sewage being discharged into it through illicit connections.
Residents of areas near the lake said that garbage, including plastic waste, is being dumped along the bund, particularly along Porur-Kundrathur High Road.
“The lake is contaminated by sewage waste released into it through illegal connections. As there is no fencing along the lake except for a portion on Mount-Poonamallee High Road, the locals have found it convenient to dump the sewage waste into the lake. Moreover, the waterbody has turned into a breeding ground for stray pigs,” said K. Siraj, a resident of Madananthapuram, Porur.
“The government must take steps to clean up the lake, which serves as a groundwater resource for the neighbouring areas,” he said.
“Encroachments by residents, garbage generated by shops and religious places near the main road have been killing the lake. Despite several representations, no action has been initiated so far. The authorities concerned must fence the area,” said S. Rangarajan, a civic activist.
A senior official of the public works department said, “A proposal for the rehabilitation of four lakes in the city, including Nemmam, Porur, Ayanambakkam and Redhills, is in the pipeline. Tenders will be invited within a month.”
“As part of rehabilitation work, steps will be taken to remove encroachment on the lakebed and fencing will also be put up along the bund to prevent dumping of garbage,” he said
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