CHENNAI: The Perungudi Lake Area Neighbourhood Environment Transformation (PLANET) forum has demanded the Water Resources Department (WRD) to dredge, deepen, and clear the rapidly growing water hyacinth from the lake before the monsoon.
Having waited 25 years for restoration works to begin, official apathy has forced forum members to clear the water hyacinth themselves.
Meanwhile, a damaged perimeter wall allows residents and commercial establishments to dump litter along the lake bunds and into the water. According to PLANET members, the lake was once used for irrigation. Today, its condition is alarming due to the continuous discharge of sewage through the stormwater drain (SWD) network on the southern side. Members emphasised that the perimeter wall must be rebuilt or replaced with fencing to prevent further dumping.
P Sanjeevan, secretary of PLANET, pointed out that a detailed project report (DPR) worth Rs 10 crore was prepared in 2025 for the lake’s rejuvenation and beautification. “In April 2025, we met with the consultant to discuss the rejuvenation plan. However, no updates have been shared since,” he said. “While the lake falls within the Corporation limits and its bunds are maintained by them, desilting falls under the WRD’s scope. The GCC can take full ownership of the lake to carry out the restoration.”
Echoing his concerns, R Prem Anand, joint secretary, PLANET, said, “Originally spread across 50 acres, the lake has shrunk to 35 acres due to encroachments. The departments must work together to demarcate boundaries, clear encroachments, and remove the water hyacinth immediately before the monsoon. Forum members are clearing the weeds manually to control their spread.”
Trees along the bunds were cut down as a precaution ahead of Cyclone Vardah. But when it rained, the loosened soil caused stretches of the wall to collapse, creating gaps along the boundary.
Residents added that someone recently dumped a dead dog into the lake, which was removed on Saturday only after multiple complaints were logged via the GCC’s 1913 helpline.
A senior official in the WRD said, “Water hyacinth will be cleared once general maintenance works begin. The current status of the Rs 10 crore rejuvenation project will be updated after checking with senior officials.”