‘Demarcation of lake boundaries important’

There has to be a clear demarcation of lake boundaries. In their absence, it is easy for anyone to encroach waterbodies in and around the city. We also require demarcations of inlet channels and flood plains. We must put an end to dumping in waterbodies. Take the case of Madambakkam lake. Garbage from a nearby wedding hall is indiscriminately dumped into it. We must also understand that commercialisation of lakes is not going solve the problem, It is going to result in more pollution, like in the case of our beaches.

There are 77 lakes in and around Chennai. These include Rajakilipakkam lake, Irumbuliyur lake, Thalambur lake, Ottiambakkam lake, Thiruverkadu lake, Ambattur lake and Ayanambakkam lake. These are indicative waterbodies and there are more lakes around them.

The biggest problem is we look at other organisations and people to blame for the recent floods. We must understand everyone is equally responsible as we all dump plastic around us, and many have built property over waterbodies. Organisation and individual ego should not come in the way of any efforts taken towards preservation. There is a climate change and Chennai is on the hit list of its many adverse effects. Look at how Japan is prepared for earthquake. We must adopt a similar approach towards floods. Floods happened in 2005 and now it has yet again happened in 2015, we must ensure it doesn’t happen again in 2025.