Chennai: Several lakes across Tambaram city municipal corporation continue to remain polluted with untreated sewage being let in. Despite repeated complaints from residents and multiple funding announcements, a solution seems elusive.There are at least 25 waterbodies spread across the corporation’s five zones including small lakes in Rajakilpakkam, Nemilichery, Irumbuliyur, Agaramthen, Mudichur and old Perungalathur lake. Most are encroached upon and remain in poor condition due to lack of sustained restoration work. A majority of these lakes are choked with dense growth of water hyacinth — indicative of heavy sewage inflow and pollution.
With Tambaram corporation expected to receive additional water from Nemmeli desalination plant next year, residents fear there may be no clean or functional waterbodies left to store the incoming supply. The condition of Pallavaram Periya Eri, the largest lake along Radial road, drew particular concern. Once a major freshwater source spanning around120 acres, the lake now turned into a sewage-filled waterbody. A sum of 7.2 crore was allocated over the years for its restoration, but the lake remains neglected.According to a Tambaram corporation report, Pallavaram receives about 15.2 million litres per day (MLD) of water, which could be doubled if Pallavaram Periya Eri is restored. However, continuing sewage inflow, large-scale encroachments, and narrowed inlet canals continue to threaten any revival efforts.V Saritha, secretary of Ganesh Nagar residents’ welfare association, said all stormwater drains in East Tambaram and along GST road now carry sewage. “The sewage either leaks and spreads on roads or ultimately flows into nearby waterbodies. This affects not just the lakes along the Radial road, but also smaller lakes in the nearby regions,” she said.Resident-activist David Manohar said in early 2025, Chennai metropolitan development authority (CMDA) floated a 3.4 crore tender to restore Putheri Lake along the 14.3-km Radial road. “Only partial work was completed so far, mainly on the southern side. The northern side is a mess. The road along this stretch, used daily by thousands of students and residents, has turned into a dumpyard for meat waste and rubbish,” he said.A senior official from Tambaram corporation said not all the lakes come under the corporation’s restoration plan. Most of the lakes are taken up for restoration by the WRD and CMDA departments. Once the ongoing projects are finished, the other lakes will be restored.
