Rising water scarcity push residents to go on lake cleaning drive

To create awareness among the public against such spoil of water bodies, Sembakkam and Chitlapakkam Rejuvenation Committee that comprises Nethaji Neer Nilaigal Punaramaippu Kuzhu, Sabari Green Foundation, Sri Sarvamangala Nagar Residents’ Association, Chitlapakkam Raising and other welfare associations organised a cleanup campaign over the weekend at the Chitlapakkam lake. 

The Lions Club of Lakshimipuram sponsored the programme, which was conducted in the presence of Viswanathan, convener, co-ordination committee of welfare associations in Chitlapakkam and Vaidhyanathan Seetharaman, an advocate. “Over a hundred volunteers came together to clean the lake. We have organised clean-up activities in the past too during which residents actively joined the campaign along with NGOs. We have fought against encroachment menace by taking the issue to the notice of the authorities concerned. This time, we plan to go on a war-footing to save the lakes in our neighbourhood,” says M Ravi, Secretary, Sri Sarvamangala Nagar Residents’ Association. 

Yet another major threat to water bodies is the plastic carry bag. This was evident from the volume of disposed plastic carry bags collected from the lake and its vicinity. 

“Needless to say that if stray cattle and dogs consumed these carry bags, it may result in their death. We are also working on the idea of minimising the use of plastic in our locality. We are planning to reach out to the business houses and restaurants and sensitise them to the bad effects of plastic bags or charge extra for such covers,” says Ravi.