Funds crunch hampers lake works, says PWD

No step has been taken by the officials to desilt, construct ramparts or fence the water bodies. Worse still, the dry lakes also face threat of encroachment. 

When contacted, PWD officials citing funds shortage said that they could take up the works only after fresh budget allocation. Sources said lakes like Red Hills, Retteri, Porur, Chembarambakkam and Cholavaram were almost dry now, blame it on the poor monsoon. 

Though the PWD officials earlier assured that they would commence improvement works once waters recede, they do not seem to be making even the spadework. 

A senior PWD official, requesting anonymity, said that they were expecting substantial allocation in the forthcoming budget. “Though we have sent several proposals, there has been no response from the Government regarding fund allotment. As a result, we are not in a position to undertake the works,” the official explained and added that they have sent proposals worth Rs 100 crore. 

When asked about encroachment and mining activities, the official replied that they had been alerted by the local people. The matter has been taken to the notice of the respective district administrations. “PWD along with revenue and police officials conduct surprise raids at night. Stern action will be taken against those indulging in such practices,” the official warned. 

A Veerappan, former special chief engineer, said “It is high time the government and PWD officials look into this issue seriously. Funds shortage cannot be cited as a reason, because there are various provisions under which the officials concerned, including those from revenue and mines and mineral department can sell deposited silts and sands to nearby villagers, road and building contractors for a good sum. In the present situation, there is no need to wait for funds from the government.”

The PWD, which planned to establish eco-tourism spot in Velachery, Retteri and Ambattur lakes have not completed the estimated projects. 

The PWD officials along with civic body officials undertook works related to an ecopark, which included boating facilities at an estimate of Rs 7 crore in 2010. 

They planned to deepen the lake to construct a boathouse. But, nothing took off and only a 350-metre walkers’ track was set up in Velachery. Similarly, the officials had planned a host of facilities around Retteri and Ambattur lakes last year at a cost of Rs 80 lakhs, but only Rs 20 lakh was disbursed.