Thamaraikulam pond chokes with garbage

Chennai: The Thamaraikulam pond at Kottivakkam, which was once one of the major water resources for the residents in the area, is now choking with garbage, say residents.

Despite repeated efforts by activists, the situation remains the same. “If sludge and plastics are cleared of the waterbody, it could be of a great help during summers. The ground water level has depleted to a great level owing to rapid urbanisation in the vicinity. Poor garbage collection has added to our woes as it ultimately ends up in the pond,” said S.Mahalingam, retired housing board engineer and a long time resident of Kottivakkam.

He further added that government was also taking initiatives and cleaning the pond, but the public would dispose of garbage and pollute the lake within no time.

Another resident, A.Sasikala, told the number of ponds in the area has shrunk from seven to one, owing to improper maintenance. Also, reptiles and insects feed in the pond, posing health risks.

When contacted, an official said, “a case was registered by a former panchayat president, to build water tanks. But when the residents protested against it, the work was abruptly stopped and we could not do anything related to the pond. However, now a private organisation has collected water samples to check the degree of pollution. Once we get the results, restoration work would be taken up and finished before the next monsoon.”