Chennai's Thangal Lake Battles Civic Neglect and Pollution
Thangal Lake in Korattur, Chennai, once served as a crucial waterbody for the local community. Today, it stands as a stark example of civic neglect. Indiscriminate dumping of garbage and untreated sewage has severely contaminated the lake. Residents express deep concern over the health and environmental risks this situation creates.
Encroachment and Failed Restoration Efforts
The lake spans approximately 11 acres with a capacity of around 300 million litres. Over time, residential buildings have encroached upon its boundaries. A decade ago, dedicated volunteers cleared vegetation and cleaned the waterbody. Their efforts, however, proved short-lived. Within a few months, the lake reverted to its polluted state due to a complete lack of maintenance by the civic authorities.
R Sridhar, president of the Britannia Nagar welfare association, detailed the ongoing issues. "The sluice gates are damaged, and people have dumped garbage over them. Construction work continues on encroached land near the lake. Despite repeated warnings, locals keep throwing waste into the water. The entire area is now filled with overgrown vegetation," he stated.
Health Risks and Water Shortages for Residents
Historically, Thangal Lake provided drinking water to the area. The disposal of untreated sewage has now contaminated the groundwater. This pollution forces residents to seek alternative water sources at significant personal cost.
V Vairamuthu, joint secretary of the association, highlighted the financial burden. "We spend about 4,000 rupees every month on tanker lorries just for drinking water. We have written to the CM Cell, the Corporation, and the water resources department. So far, we have received no response," he explained.
Debate Over Future Plans and Civic Responsibility
Authorities have proposed converting Thangal Lake into an eco-park. Civic activists, however, urge a different approach. They believe the focus should be on restoring and maintaining the lake as a functional waterbody rather than repurposing it for tourism.
C Raghukumar, a civic activist from North Chennai, shared his perspective. "We welcome initiatives that turn lakes into community hubs. But government departments often fail to maintain these spaces. Visitors also do not take responsibility for cleanliness. It is better to preserve the lake in its natural form and ensure proper, ongoing maintenance," he argued.
Official Inaction and Lack of Response
A senior official from the Madhavaram zone acknowledged the problem. "The Water Resources Department (WRD) is expected to take up the restoration work. We requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to restore and maintain the waterbody. There has been no response from them," the official said.
WRD officials were unavailable for comment despite multiple attempts by journalists to reach them. This silence underscores the ongoing administrative delays that plague the lake's potential recovery.
