‘Dry’ Public Works Department seeks aid for lake work

According to officials, the 2015 floods in Chennai had proved detrimental to the lakes. The rains had partially damaged the lakes’ intake structure, which is responsible for removal of impurities. This has actually prompted the department to send a flurry of proposals to the government to take steps to protect the water bodies. 

Though the PWD had formulated plans and proposed master projects to protect the lakes from further damage, they have not so far received funds from the government. The officials had sent a proposal in January, 2016 to take up renovation work in four major lakes - Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Red Hills and Cholavaram from where drinking water was being supplied to the Metro Water department. 

A senior PWD official, seeking anonymity, said “We have sent a proposal for Rs 100 crore to undertake lake improvement projects. The present scarcity in the city should be a lesson for us to know that we need to store as much water as possible in lakes and other bodies.” 

The official also said that the department put all problems, including minor ones, together and presented a detailed report to the government and sought adequate funds to save the lakes. Officials say that the rejuvenation project in which the PWD took up lake improvement work in Ayanambakkam, Porur and Nemam lakes to increase storage capacity began nearly three years ago. But fund crunch forced the department to halt the project mid-way in 2013.  

“The Porur lake, which once remained as a major drinking water sources is in shambles now,” said a PWD source. The lake has been encroached to a vast extent. Though the TNPCB provided a clearance certificate to proceed with this project, no effort was made. A senior PWD official (special project) expressed the hope that the rejuvenation project would be completed by the end of this year.