Chennai: Years after restoration and beautification work began, Retteri Lake is still in neglect as the northeast monsoon approaches. Vegetation has spread across the bund and pedestrian walkway, water hyacinth covers stretches of the lake, and untreated sewage continues to enter the water body, raising questions about its upkeep.In several places, overgrowth has nearly obscured iron railings and sections of the compound wall. Residents fear the water hyacinth could spread further if it is not removed before the rains. Boating facilities, parking areas and an eatery introduced during the previous administration also appeared poorly maintained. “There is continued flow of untreated sewage into the lake through a feeder canal carrying water from the Ambattur and Korattur lake. The issue had been flagged earlier too, but there is no intervention to stop sewage from entering Retteri,” said Tamil Nadu Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations president D Neelakannan. “A lake cannot be restored while sewage continues to flow into it. We need restoration, not another round of cosmetic improvements,” he said.Retteri Lake has the potential to support flood management, groundwater recharge, biodiversity and local water security, but this requires sustained maintenance rather than one-time beautification. The concerns have assumed greater significance with the Northeast monsoon approaching in the next few weeks. “Public money was already spent on deepening, restoration and beautification. Water Resources Department’s must now focus on making the lake a functioning water body. It needs accountability and long-term maintenance before the next spell of heavy rain tests the lake again,” said C Raghukumar, a resident and civic activist in North Chennai.Despite multiple attempts by TOI, the WRD official was unavailable for comment.
