MLA funds to revive Adambakkam lake

Chennai: The long desire of the city residents’ to witness a restored Adambakkam lake would soon be fulfilled, as the Alandur MLA has promised to utilise MLA funds to complete the ten-year-old project.

Lack of funds has been the root cause for the delay in the restoration of Adambakkam lake, which had shrunk from 86 acres to 7 acres. The lake saw no positive transformation, despite the government allocating funds to PWD for its restoration and beautification. “Once sanctioned, we will use MLA funds to restore Adambakkam lake. We have already deepened the lake to three feet and completed desilting works,” Alandur MLA T.M. Anbarasan said.

The state-allocated funds had been insufficient for the completion of the project, note residents. “We are requesting the state government to allocate a sum of '2 crore for one-time restoration of the lake. However, the state-allocated fund for rejuvenation of the lake has not been put to use,” said Augustine David, President, Federation of Adambakkam Welfare Associations.

In the past ten years, the lake has become a victim to encroachments and pollution by both government bodies and public entities. Explaining the intensity of the exploitation, Haris Sultan, state body member of Arappor Iyakkam said, “Pollution and encroachment are the most prominent reasons for the exploitation of Adambakkam lake. Water hyacinth occupies the major parts of the lake, affecting the marine life as they hinder the passage of oxygen and sunrays into the water.”

The exploitation done to by the water body has a direct hit on residents, who are now facing acute water scarcity.  Ground water levels have depleted  300 feet in the neighborhood of Adambakkam and Thillai Nagar, say residents.