Residents raise concern over continued sewage release into Korattur lake
Residents of Korattur have raised concern over the continued release of sewage into the Korattur lake through storm-water drains, flagging the risk it poses to the lake's fragile ecosystem.
The lake, one of the key waterbodies in the western parts of Chennai, remains a thriving habitat for migratory and resident birds. Residents and activists said the waterbody, which attracted different species of birds, also faced threat of degradation owing to sewage pollution and encroachments.
S. Sekaran, secretary, Korattur Aeri Padukappu Makkal Iyakkam, said the lake was polluted with sewage entering through storm-water drains from the neighbourhoods such as Karukku and Muthamizh Nagar. This also led to unchecked growth of dense aquatic vegetation in the lake. Pollution would affect the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity as it provides a crucial habitat for birds.
'We have submitted representations to various government agencies and elected representatives to plug sewage outfalls,' he said.
Residents and activists also suggested the lake, which is under the Water Resources Department (WRD), to be declared a bird sanctuary. This may enhance its ecological protection and increase revenue through eco-tourism efforts.
S. Ravisankar, an amateur birder in Ambattur, who has been a birdwatching at the lake since 2016, said: 'We observed 45 species of birds earlier this week. The lake is visited by several migratory birds too. Species such as Asian Openbills congregate in large numbers. The lake is a breeding ground for resident birds such as Indian Pied Starling.'
Ambattur MLA Joseph Samuel said: 'I have raised the need for lake restoration in the Assembly at least thrice. A ₹23-crore project chalked out by the WRD is in the process of getting funds. The lake needs to be desilted.'
Efforts are being taken to construct an incomplete portion of a channel linking surplus water from the Ambattur lake through Pattaravakkam and Karukku to the Korattur lake, he added.
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