Corporation uses machines to weed out hyacinth in water bodies

A senior Corporation official said that robotic excavators are used at Vyasarpadi and Mambalam Canal, while in Velachery lake, an amphibian vehicle has been stationed. “This comes under the ambit of the Public Works Department (PWD), but the Corporation has taken it up since these areas are highly populated. 

The PWD uses fiberglass boats to remove the water hyacinth. Since we have the machines, we have been asked to execute this,” added the official. These machines will also remove any stagnation caused by garbage accumulation or other reasons. The work will soon begin in Okkiyam Maduvu as well. 

A view of the Velachery lake reveals a carpet of green, covering the water body. Residents say that this annual exercise is futile until the pollution of the lake is completely stopped. Kumara Raja S, Vice President of the Annai Indira Nagar Residents Welfare Association, said, “Water hyacinth is an indication of the pollution in the lake. 

If the authorities ensure that sewage is not connected to the lake, there will not be any water hyacinth. There are so many illegal sewage lines that are being let out here. If the authorities stop this and fence the lake, they don’t have to worry about removing the water hyacinth. The de-silting too hasn’t been done since ages.” 

Karthik S, a resident, pointed out that there were proposals to make the Velachery lake a tourist spot. “Years later, no action has been taken and the work is also being done at a snail’s pace. Government and public can come together to make it an eco-park, like Chetpet Lake,” added the 36-year-old IT professional.