Residents, NGOs take up restoration of Selaiyur lake

However, the lake has been undergoing an overhaul for the past six weeks, thanks to a group of organisations like Eco Society of India, Makkal Padhai, Seva Barathi Tamil Nadu, Sabari Greens Foundation, etc. Talking to DT Next, Darwin Annadurai, founder of Eco Society of India, said, “Apart from the restoration process, we are also working towards sensitising and creating awareness among the public. In the first phase, we are clearing the garbage and undertaking its restoration. In the next phase, we want to strengthen the bunds and desilt the water body. The third phase will involve creating a walkway and turning it into a recreational spot.”

The lake has been polluted with sewage water that is reaching it through the stormwater drains from Tambaram. The neglect has resulted in a large number of bushes in and around the lake.

The crowdfunded operation has seen resident welfare associations contributing to the equipment used like the JCBs. As many as 20 to 25 volunteers — residents and members of NGOs have been working on Saturdays and Sundays for the past few weeks.

Annadurai added that the residents in and around the locality comprise of mostly lower and middle-income groups. “We have been educating them to show how collective apathy has ruined a lake that has far more potential.” In order to ensure that the lake is preserved for the future, the groups have decided to make it a boating spot. “The idea would help us ensure that locals take ownership of its maintenance.” The group is also planting native saplings around the lake.

However, for the subsequent phases, the groups will need the help of government departments. “The Public Works Department has to help us strengthen the bunds,” he pointed out.

V Subramani, founder secretary, Sabari Green Foundation, which has been mobilising people’s participation for the conservation of waterbodies across the State, observed, “Without their participation, it is extremely difficult to preserve waterbodies, as they can easily be encroached by anti-social elements that will take over the place.”