Chennai: With the neighbourhood reeling under acute water shortage, residents have shifted their focus to the restoration of waterbodies in the locality. Work has already commenced at a few lakes, with the ones in Rajakilpakkam and Vengaivasal all set to get a new lease of life.
The Rajakilpakkam lake, which was originally spread over about 105 acres, has reduced to just 30 acres due to encroachments. In a bid to restore it, about 23 residents welfare associations have joined hands. Work for this will begin 13 July.
Speaking to News Today about the initiative, Federation of Rajakilpakkam Residents’ Welfare Association secretary V Seetharaman said they were inspired by the work carried out by the locals in Chitlapakkam.
“We, too, have several water resources in and around our locality and most of them cry for attention. So, we thought it was high time we stepped in. We have sought permission from Kanchipuram Collector P Ponnaiah, who has also given the go-ahead,” he said.
Seetharaman further said several of them from the locality have come forward to sponsor the clean-up drive.
“Our initial aim will be to clean the lake, following which we will move to the bunds,” he said.
He further stated that they will commence work at the Rajakilpakkam lake first, followed by the one in Vengaivasal.
Seetharaman also requested volunteers to actively take part in the initiative.
For details, contact 98845 06335.