Residents Struggle with Sewage Crisis at Velachery Lake
Sewage Crisis Impacting Velachery Lake Residents
Chennai, Feb 5: The Velachery Lake inlet near Shastri Nagar in Adambakkam is facing a severe sewage crisis, causing residents to endure unpleasant odors, contaminated groundwater, and a surge in mosquito-borne diseases. Civic authorities are reportedly shifting blame instead of addressing the contamination issue.
The once-pristine lake area has been transformed into a stagnant and unhealthy environment due to untreated sewage flowing through a stormwater drain (SWD), raising significant concerns regarding environmental degradation and public health.
Over the years, the living conditions in the neighborhood, located across from the inlet near Kakkan Bridge, have deteriorated noticeably.
The water surface is now heavily covered with water hyacinth, and sludge has accumulated at the drain's mouth.
Residents express that the rapid decline has been alarming for families residing along the lakefront.
K. Ramesh, who has lived in the area for over ten years, remarked on the stark changes. 'A few years back, the water was clear, and we could see birds like herons and ducks. Now, the stench of sewage fills the air constantly, making it unbearable to go outside,' he shared.
Many households have reported that their borewell water has become unusable, and there has been a significant increase in mosquito breeding.
'Children frequently fall ill with fevers and skin infections. We are compelled to purchase water and incur higher medical expenses. The drain intended for rainwater is now carrying sewage,' stated V. Lakshmi, another local resident.
The situation reportedly worsened after the Greater Chennai Corporation built the SWD along City Link Road to mitigate monsoon flooding.
While the project has alleviated flooding, residents claim that illegal sewage connections from nearby wards have begun discharging waste directly into the drain, affecting nearly 13 surrounding localities.
'There is thick sludge for several meters near the inlet, and the lake is completely clogged with hyacinth. The pollution is evident to anyone who looks,' commented M. Pradeep, a member of the local residents’ welfare association.
The Water Resources Department, responsible for maintaining the lake, has invested approximately ₹25 lakh in removing invasive plants and has repeatedly urged the GCC to sever illegal sewage connections.
GCC officials attribute the issue to capacity limitations at the Depot 161 pumping station, while Metro Water authorities deny any overflow or diversion. With various departments deflecting responsibility, residents are left to face the repercussions and are calling for immediate, coordinated efforts to halt the sewage discharge and restore Velachery Lake's health.