CHENNAI: Allegations of untreated sewage being discharged into a canal along the Water Canal Link Road at Thathan Kuppam in Villivakkam have triggered public concern, as the flow eventually reaches Korattur Lake.
Arappor Iyakkam flagged the issue in a post on X, questioning the role of officials in allowing untreated sewage from the Villivakkam pumping station to be released into the canal.
The organisation sought to know which Metro Water official had ordered the discharge and what action would be taken, terming the incident unacceptable in a civilised society. It said that sewage was leaking from a main pipeline into the canal that connects to Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, raising serious questions over the efficiency and monitoring mechanisms of the Metro Water board.
However, T Baskar, a volunteer with Arappor Iyakkam and a resident of Anna Nagar who frequently uses the road, said, “Untreated sewage has been leaking for the past week, and entering nearby canals and storm water drains connected to Retteri Lake and Korattur Lake, contaminating both water bodies. The stagnant sewage poses serious risks to residents as it takes months to dry, increasing the likelihood of groundwater contamination. The main sewer line is meant to carry sewage to the Villivakkam pumping station and onward to the Kodungaiyur sewage treatment plant.
The foul smell has affected daily business. No steps have been taken to remove the stagnant sewage till now
G Sekar, a roadside vendor
Responding to the allegation, Metro Water said that around 20 days ago, an old 900-mm diameter main sewer line was damaged due to ongoing Metro Rail works at Moolakadai Junction. “During the same incident, the sewer line was also punctured at Thathan Kuppam in Division 83. The matter was immediately reported and the damage had since been rectified,” the agency said.
Repeated attempts to contact Metro Water officials for further clarification did not elicit a response.