Veerangal Odai on verge of becoming sewage drain

Chennai: Built to drain rainwater into Pallikarnai marshland, Veerangal Odai is slowly turning into a sewage drain owing to the release of untreated sewage into the channel, rue the residents of Velachery and its vicinities.

“Originating from Thiruneermalai near Chrompet, the water travel through the channel to Bay of Bengal via Meenambakkam, Nanganallur, Vanuvampet and Velachery. So, the cannel carries water from the water bodies in these areas and even feeds them at times,” said activist Subbramani, founder, Sabari Green foundation, an NGO to restore water bodies.

As numerous areas that the channel goes through including Madipakkam, Puzhithivakkam and Pallikarnai do not have a storm water drains, the excess rainwater is let into Veeranam Odai and the residents of the areas allege that some Storm Water Drains let out sewage, spoiling the entire structure.

Krishna Panth, a resident said, “Already a lot of rainwater has been wasted this season. It is imperative for the local body to take an action and find a permanent solution for the issue instead of cleaning up the channel each monsoon.”

The sewage stagnation and poor SWD network has led to mosquito menace in the area and the residents fear an outspread of diseases.

When contacted, an official from the Corporation said they had received complaints about sewage being let into Veerangal Odai and it is becoming tough to stop that due to numerous illegal connections at Nanganallur. “However, the weeds are cleared and the channel is desilted in frequent intervals,” he said.