Chennai: The PWD has earned the wrath of Adambakkam residents as the proposed lake restoration works are yet to take off. When Alandur MLA, T.M. Anbarasan raised the issue of modifying Adambakkam lake in the Assembly, PWD Minister, K. Palaniswamy replied that Rs 23 crore was already issued to de-silt and construct a retaining wall to Veerangal Odai, which receives surplus from Adambakkam lake.
However, there was no mention about the transfer of funds to Adambakkam lake, which is prone to encroachments – both residential and commercial. The water body, which was once a lifeline to thousands of agriculturists in the erstwhile Alandur municipality, has shrunk to 8.3 acres from its original size of over 33 acres. Adding to that sewage from St Thomas mount is now let into the lake.
President of federation of Adambakkam welfare association, Augustine David, said the stormwater drain from neighbouring Adambakkam and Nanganallur is not connected to the lake. “PWD should work on the inner ring road and design stormwater drains in such a way that it connects the lake. Ground water table could be maintained through it,” he said.
The beautification project includes laying a walkers path, fixing the boundary of the lake to avoid encroachments and including boating as recreational activity.
“The government which took no time in modifying the Chetpet lake is ignoring Adambakkam lake. Governments have changed, so do promises by elected representatives. But the lake is dying each day,” said Vishnu Priya, a resident.
Officials from public work department admit the non-transfer of Rs 1.42 crore either from the MLA or MP funds or from the State government’s special fund.
Anbarasan, however, assured residents that the project would be finished by next year. “Funds are yet to be allocated to the constituency. The lake will regain its status by next year,” he told DC.
