Residents plan to intensify protests over unchecked sewage release into Korattur lake

CHENNAI

Residents of Korattur plan to intensify their protests as sewage continues to be released into Korattur lake, a significant groundwater recharge source in the locality, through minor channels and stormwater drains.

Spread over 600 acres, the waterbody, which is sandwiched between Ambattur and Retteri lakes, remains vulnerable to sewage pollution and encroachments. Residents charged that sewage was let into the lake through stormwater drains and inlets in different places, including Ondiveeran Koil Street and Karukku.

S.Sujatha, a resident of Korattur, said the discharge of untreated sewage into the lake triggered rampant spread of water hyacinth and degraded the water quality. The unchecked release of sewage affected the lake’s ecology and the livelihood of the fishing community in the neighbourhood.

Residents noted that several representations were made to various government agencies, including Greater Chennai Corporation and Water Resources Department and protests were also held seeking comprehensive restoration of the lake. However, no concrete measures have been taken so far, they added.

Members of the Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam (KAPMI), a citizens’ movement raising the voice for the rejuvenation of Korattur lake, plan to hold an agitation near Ripon Building seeking the attention of GCC officials and Mayor on the sewage pollution.

S.Sekaran, KAPMI secretary, said GCC Ambattur zonal officials assured the residents to take measures to stop sewage discharge after a protest was held last month. A committee was also promised to be created to monitor and prevent misuse of the lake. ‘Seemai Karuvelam’, the invasive shrub (Prosopis Juliflora) has also spread over portions of the lake. “We approached various departments to provide permission to remove the invasive shrubs. We are waiting for no objection certificate to execute the work,” he said.

On residents’ long-pending request to convert the waterbody into a protected bird sanctuary, the Forest department noted that the lake was under the control of the WRD and measures could be initiated only if the waterbody was handed over to the Forest department.