Residents assert that the water body has not only shaped the neighbourhood’s identity but also provided a compelling cause for them to fight and strive for
Arunima Jha
Chennai: Chitlapakkam, a suburb in Chennai, is grappling with a severe water crisis and sanitation issues that have persisted for years.
The once-abundant groundwater at just three feet below the surface has now necessitated borewells reaching depths beyond 300 feet. The dire situation has not only led to a scarcity of water but has also resulted in frequent flooding and contamination of water bodies, exacerbating the challenges faced by the residents.
In the 1990s, Chitlapakkam Lake and the surroundings of Sembakkam Lake enjoyed a high water table, but over the years, poor urban planning has led to a depletion of groundwater resources. The inadequacy of the underground drainage network has further aggravated the situation, with sewage contamination reaching alarming proportions. The Chitlapakkam Lake, once a vital water body, has faced encroachments, pollution, and a size reduction, becoming a dumping ground for garbage.
The quality of drinking water supplied to Chitlapakkam residents has become a point of contention. Despite complaints about poor water quality and water hyacinths in Madambakkam Lake, the Tambaram Corporation dismissed the allegations based on a lab report from the Tamil Nadu Water Supply And Drainage Board in November last year, as reported by The New Indian Express. However, residents remain unconvinced, citing health issues such as viral fever, throat infections, and skin irritation, which they attribute to the water supply.
“Many of us are getting sick with throat and stomach problems but poor people like me cannot afford to buy bottled drinking water. We have no choice but to drink the dirty water that’s available,” said 25-year-old Pooja Kumari, who works as a domestic help in the area.
Another 42-year-old resident named Shilpa said, “We have been expressing our concern about the dirty water flowing from our taps, yet no action has been taken to address the contamination issue. It’s sad to see the persistent neglect of our area’s water quality.” Financial constraints hinder many residents from opting for alternatives, leading to health issues and financial difficulties.
The community, stirred by the deteriorating situation, initiated efforts to revive Chitlapakkam Lake. Volunteer groups, such as Chitlapakkam Rising, organised mass cleaning drives, submitted petitions to government bodies and sought judicial intervention, as reported by DT Next. However, challenges persist, with waste segregation units being set up without necessary approvals, which has increased pollution concerns in the area surrounding the lake.
Sumit, a 64-year-old resident of Chromepet, highlighted the lack of consistent efforts from the corporation, and said, “The people in our neighbourhood are the ones cleaning the lake sometimes. But it’s disappointing that the Corporation hasn’t done anything but has only made fake promises to fix the problem. We need their help to make our water safe.”
The disposal of garbage near Chitlapakkam Lake has become a persistent problem, affecting the overall hygiene of the area. Residents have complained about the corporation’s delayed action and the failure to address the garbage issue. Rupa, a 37-year-old resident of the area said, “We don’t have anywhere else to throw our garbage except for the area near the lake. It’s tough because the water is already dirty, and we need a better solution for our waste. There should be some help or options for us from the authorities,” revealing the challenges faced by the residents in maintaining a clean environment.
The water crisis has not only affected the health of the residents but has also had economic repercussions. Arvind Kumar, a 42-year-old local Juice shop owner, had to switch to bottled water, resulting in a loss of profit for his business. The increased cost of purchasing bottled water has compelled him to raise prices, affecting affordability for his customers. “Most of us usually purchase bottled water, and it costs about Rs 20. However, not everyone can afford it,” he added.
Despite residents raising concerns, the Tambaram Corporation maintains that the water supply is free of coliform bacteria, citing daily testing for chlorine. Prabhuharan, Assistant Executive Engineer of Zone-3, assured residents that necessary measures were being taken. “The latest test was done in November, and it shows that the water is safe for the public to drink,” he said.
However, the lack of trust in official reports and the persistence of health issues have left residents sceptical. “We don’t trust the corporation reports. The water in our area is not safe. Sometimes, if you leave a water bottle for a while, mud ends up settling in it.” said Sanjoy, a 47-year-old departmental shop owner.
A recent report by the Times of India stated that residents of Chitlapakkam cleaned the lake on 20th January 2024. The volunteers also appealed to the people not to throw garbage in the lake.
