Illegal water extraction from Pallikaranai peaks this summer, threatens marshland survival

With Nanmangalam reserve, Pallikarnai marsh and Chengalpet forests serving as water catchment areas and green lung for greater Chennai, the Forest Department has been receiving at least five loads of treated water from a private township to pump into the marshland.

Due to water demand peaking this summer, Medavakkam lake near Nanmangalam forest, Vengaivasal and Tiruporur in Chengalpet forest division and Perumbakkam wetland near Pallikaranai marsh have now become hotspots for illegal extraction of water.

An investigation by DT Next revealed that three water bodies in Kancheepuram topography are constantly being targeted by water mafia. On Sunday, two lorry operators who were seen drawing water from a borewell in Medavakkam lake bund fled when this newspaper enquired about them. The water mafia has also installed temporary pipes near the lake bund and the adjacent wells to extract the groundwater. “Despite the Madras HC passing orders seeking action against illegal water extraction, there is no respite. The mafia has now started targeting wetlands closer to Pallikaranai and Nanmangalam,” rued a Forest Department insider while complaining that migratory birds have started leaving the southern part of Chennai due to groundwater depletion.

Till last month, Medavakkam lake supported nesting of munias and kingfishers, but with water receding their movement is now remote. “All these years water tankers were tapping agricultural wells in and around Chengalpattu, but now the wetlands and water bodies are being targeted due to high demand,” the official said, adding, these water bodies may be located outside the forest division, but they are buffer zones that enrich the ecology of reserves.

“There are 32 wetlands in Kancheepuram topography and they will turn into wasteland if water is continuously tapped. Sea water intrusion is another threat,” explains KVRK Thirunaranan, an avid bird watcher and founder of The Nature Trust.

However, members of the Chennai Private Water Tankers Association claimed there was no regulation in the business. “Chennai Metro water is also tapping water from lakes and borewells in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, but when private tankers tap water to meet the growing demand for water in Chennai it is termed as theft,” said a member of Chennai Private Water Tankers Association.

When contacted, Kancheepuram district revenue officer N Sundaramoorthy assured action against those tapping water from Medavakkam lake. “In Tiruporur, two cases have already been booked against water tankers. Surveillance will be enhanced to protect groundwater in Pallikaranai and Perumbakkam,” the DRO said.

Three water bodies in Kancheepuram topography are constantly being targeted by the water mafia. On Sunday, two lorry operators who were seen drawing water from a borewell in Medavakkam lake bund fled when this newspaper enquired about their visit. The mafia has also installed temporary pipes near the lake bund and the adjacent wells to extract groundwater