Chennai: Encroachment, untreated wastewater discharge and years of neglect have reduced the sprawling 100-acre Rajakilpakkam lake near Tambaram to a polluted 30-acre waterbody. Residents have urged authorities to restore the lake.The lake, which receives stormwater from Camp Road, Selaiyur and surrounding residential areas, was once an important rainwater storage source. However, residents said several households and commercial establishments have illegally tampered with stormwater drains to divert sewage into the lake. This has severely affected water quality, destroyed aquatic life and led to the rapid spread of dense mats of water hyacinth.At least 15 houses have been built within the lake area, and encroachments continue to rise despite repeated complaints. A 2021 inspection by the public works department had identified around 960 illegal structures in and around the lake. Locals said the number has only gone up in the past few years.Tambaram corporation commissioner S Balachander said that although the lake falls within the corporation limits, it is maintained by the water resources department (WRD). “On Thursday, the corporation carried out a drive to remove debris, garbage and encroachments along the Rajakilpakkam lake area. The corporation will take necessary steps to keep the surroundings clean,” he said.S Thilagavel, a resident of Rajakilpakkam, said the govt evicted several hawkers from the lake bund after Cyclone Vardah and provided alternative accommodation near Semmenchery. “Many of them rented out the allotted places and returned to encroach on the lake premises. We have submitted complaints to the CM Cell and WRD, but no action has been taken to restore the lake,” he said.He added that the lake bund has weakened over the years and groundwater levels in nearby areas have also declined. “If the lake is restored, it can become an effective rainwater storage point and improve groundwater recharge,” he said.K Vijayakumar, executive engineer, WRD, said the lake would be included in the department’s restoration proposal this year. “The lake will be inspected on Monday and necessary action will be taken to restore it,” he said.
