Pallavaram Periya Eri in Chennai Suffers Severe Environmental Degradation
In a distressing environmental crisis, the southern side of Pallavaram Periya Eri in Chennai has been almost entirely overtaken by encroachments, invasive plant species, and massive garbage dumps. Nearly 90% of this area is now covered, with more than 50,000 tonnes of legacy waste remaining uncleared, despite a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued in 2021. Once a pristine freshwater lake, it is now surrounded by at least 500 illegal encroachments, including structures along its critical inlet and outlet points.
Choked Water Channels and Reduced Flow
Both the inlet and outlet channels of the lake are heavily clogged with plastic waste and other garbage, which is regularly dumped into canals connecting Pallavaram Periya Eri to Putheri Lake and other waterbodies along the Pallavaram–Thoraipakkam radial road. The lake receives water from three major inlet channels originating from the Tirusulam hills, Thiruneermalai via Moongil Eri, and Veeraraghavan lake via Chromepet. These canals, which were once nearly 80 feet wide, have now narrowed to just 5-10 feet due to rampant encroachments, severely impairing water flow and exacerbating pollution levels.
Failed Restoration Efforts and Legal Battles
Residents of the locality filed cases with the NGT in 2020 and 2021, leading to an order that directed the Tambaram Corporation to remove encroachments and bio-mine the legacy waste. However, even after five years, the waste has not been fully cleared. During a recent visit to the area, it was observed that more than 10 families had encroached upon the water body itself. David Manohar, a resident-activist from Pallavaram, expressed concern, stating, "When restoration plans are announced, these families will eventually be evicted. The corporation must identify alternative housing instead of making them live inside the lake."
He further highlighted the abandonment of the bio-mining project that began in 2020, noting, "Heavy machinery is lying unused, and garbage is scattered everywhere." M Gandhi, president of the Pallavaram residents' welfare association, emphasized that restoration efforts would be futile unless sewage inflow into the lake is completely halted. He criticized the lack of visible restoration work, despite the lake being handed over to the Water Resources Department (WRD), and pointed out ongoing pollution from illegal sewer connections and sewage discharge from tanker lorries.
Official Responses and Future Plans
Despite repeated attempts, WRD officials were unavailable for comment on the matter. In response to concerns over the stalled bio-mining project, Tambaram Corporation commissioner S Balachander stated that a budget of 2.3 crore has been allocated to bio-mine the remaining legacy waste and that tenders for the project would be floated soon. This announcement comes as a glimmer of hope, but residents remain skeptical given the prolonged delays and lack of action in the past.
The situation at Pallavaram Periya Eri underscores broader issues of urban lake management and environmental governance in Chennai. With encroachments and waste accumulation continuing unabated, the lake's ecological health is at severe risk, threatening local biodiversity and water security for surrounding communities.
