Chitlapakkam Lake Parking Crisis and Sewage Threat Persist Despite Major Restoration Project
In Chennai, the Chitlapakkam lake area continues to grapple with severe parking deficiencies and environmental hazards, even after extensive restoration work by the Water Resources Department (WRD). The parking zone remains in a deplorable state, forcing approximately 400 daily visitors to park their vehicles precariously near open sewage flows.
Daily Visitor Inconvenience and Civic Complaints Ignored
Every morning, hundreds of residents from Chromepet and East Tambaram flock to the lakeside for walking, exercise, and community activities. However, the absence of a proper parking facility compels them to park on the opposite side of the side entrance, where raw sewage openly flows. Visitors and local neighbors have submitted hundreds of formal complaints to civic authorities over several months, demanding both a designated parking space and the immediate plugging of the sewage outlet. To date, no concrete action has been taken to address these pressing concerns.
Restoration Success Marred by Ongoing Infrastructure Failures
Chitlapakkam lake has transformed into a popular public space following the WRD's desilting and restoration efforts, which culminated in an inauguration in early January this year—nearly six years after the project commenced. Despite this renovation, critical infrastructure elements, particularly parking, have been neglected. Resident activist Dayanand Krishnan highlighted that a parking lot was originally part of the WRD's restoration blueprint but never materialized. He noted, "At least 200 vehicles are parked along the road daily, choking the nine-foot road and obstructing emergency vehicles like ambulances."
Illegal Sewage Discharge Poses Severe Health and Environmental Risks
Beyond parking issues, residents have raised alarms about illegal sewage discharge near the lake's second inlet gate. Sewage from adjacent residential buildings is being diverted into the rainwater catchment area, with only an earthen bund preventing it from entering the lake. During rainfall, sewage overflows directly into the lake, creating significant health and environmental hazards. The catchment area is further compromised by being clogged with plastic waste, exacerbating pollution levels.
Traffic congestion has worsened due to the lack of parking, with vehicles lining the narrow roads and impeding smooth passage. Despite repeated attempts to seek comments, WRD officials have remained unavailable for response, leaving residents frustrated over the ongoing neglect of essential amenities and environmental safeguards at this revitalized public space.
