The restoration work of Sembakkam Lake at Tambaram by the Care Earth Trust and experts from IIT Madras began recently with a formal pooja.
Residents, Sriperumbudur M P K N Ramachandran, Tambaram MLA S R Raja, former M P Chitlapakkam C Rajendran and Sembakkam Municipality Commissioner M R Vasanthy took part.
Speaking to Tambaram Talk, Care Earth Trust managing trustee Jayashree Vencatesan said the work has commenced now after the approval of the PWD officials. “The restoration work will be carried out based on the research carried out by Care Earth Trust and IIT Madras. As a first step, weeds are being removed. A floating barge is being used to remove the water hyacinths,” she said.
Jayashree further said at present the pollution level in the waterbody is very high. “There is historical pollution, as well as sewage that is being let into the lake even till now. This will take sometime to bring back the waterbody to its original glory,” she said.
She said all the unwanted plants from the waterbody will be removed first after which the water will be cleansed using bio remediation.
“We will try to plug in all the sewage outlets or atleast try to treat them before they are let into the waterbody. Once this process is over, the bunds will be strengthened as per the regulations of the PWD,” she added.
Jayashree further said the weirs will be regulated and the paths will be cleared for the water to flow freely.
“At the end of the work, a green barrier will be constructed to ensure that the lake is free from pollution in the future,” she added.
Jayashree said that the works are expected to be completed within a year and the support from the local administration and the people has been excellent.
Sri Saravamangala Nagar Residents Welfare Association secretary M Ravi said they are happy about the way in which the work is progressing. “We are elated that despite the differences among the parties all of them came together and are supporting this work. We will try to extend our full support as much as possible,” he said.