Sembakkam residents complain of sewage in storm water drains

CHENNAI: Ahead of the northeast monsoon, the residents of Sembakkam complained that sewage stagnating in the storm water drains has polluted the water body and contaminated the groundwater in the locality for the past few days. They urge the civic authorities to begin the pre-monsoon preparedness work to prevent inundation and health issues.

“Though the state government allocated funds for the pre-monsoon works, the local body authorities are yet to begin the work in several areas. It causes various issues, including drainage water getting mixed into SWD and adequate vegetation growth which remained uncleaned for a long time,” said R Seetharaman, a resident of Sembakkam.

The sewage water makes the situation worse in the locality, as it contaminates groundwater, which is not suitable for drinking and domestic purposes. At times, the entire area stinks due to the stagnated drain water.

“The polluted water flows into the water bodies such as Sembakkam lake, Vengaivasal lake and Rajakilpakkam lake and it leads to overgrown water hyacinth plantation. The stagnation of rainwater and drainage water has led to an increase in the mosquito menace and people are falling sick recently,” said K Udhayakumar, another resident of Sembakkam.

Locals urge the civic authorities to clear the overgrown vegetation and install sewage treatment plants (STP) to save water bodies in the locality.

When contacted, Tambaram Corporation Commissioner M Elagovan said, “We have started the pre-monsoon preparedness work from July by desilting the water bodies and canals. As many as 200 workers were employed to clear and desilt the lakes and do other works. It is gradually carried out in other areas. The entire work is expected to finish in the next 15 days.”