UGD work to resume in Nemilicherry lake

Last month, the PWD directed authorities of the local body to stop the work on the pipeline after localities flagged a protest. The residents were primarily concerned about the move in case it legalized encroachments.

“A section of residents made a representation with the PWD who promptly pressed into action. There was no development after that. In the beginning of the month, authorities informed us that work will be resumed covering a small portion of the sprawling lake,” said R Ramdas, president of Bharathipuram Residents Welfare Association.

An official attached to the Pallavaram Municipality said, “Last month, three days after the work commenced, there was an abrupt end to it. The pipelines are being laid only to arrest the immediate flow of sewage into the waterbody. We are planning to lay the pipeline along a small patch abutting the lake. It is intended to prevent further contamination of the water source.”

A PWD official said, “This step aims to bring immediate relief to save the source from further depletion. Although removing encroachments provide a permanent solution, it’s a more time consuming process.” Earlier, the residents took an initiative to clean the lake, but sought the help of government machinery. The PWD took over the project and completed the rejuvenation works last October.