Chennai: News Today reported last week that Korattur lake encroachments were evicted, a move that saw over 2,000 members displaced.
With more than 550 houses being built there over time, many of them being two-storeyed, the lake was struggling to store water that will come in handy during summer.
It has now been revealed that 50 acres of land or to be precise lake area has been reclaimed due to the drive undertaken by the Water Resources Department (WRD) with help from police.
Many have stated that the move was a welcome one but questioned the complete outcome. It must be noted that out of the 567 families 437 have been allotted houses at Perumbakkam, some 35 km from Ambattur.
“I understand that authorities had to clear the encroachments from the lake, for it became a mini village by itself. However, I am not convinced that people who lived there were the only ones to blame,” said Mathiazhagan, who resides in Korattur.
“The houses had electricity and water connections, proper roads have been laid and street lights have been placed as well. People there had voter ID and ration cards too. So how come that they were termed as perpetrators and the authorities who allowed them to stay there are termed innocent? Action must be taken on every single person who allowed people to settle there,” he said.
Many had the same opinion for they feel officials are never blamed despite them doing a paucity of work in many cases.
On the other hand, the 50 acre land reclaimed must be put to good use stated residents. “We have been hearing reports that a Rs 13 crore eco-restoration project will be taken up at the lake soon. That is all well and good. However, what is important is that the lake must be desilted, bunds strengthened and a proper compound built. the government can even appoint security guards to safeguard the lake. Water is precious,” stated Ravi, a resident.
Officials said that after the eviction, work will begin in-order-to strengthen the bund for a distance of three km and develop a park alongside the lake, the officials said.