5 days ago
How 2,000 Chitlapakkam Residents Revived a Sewage-Choked Lake
Chitlapakkam had a large lake, but it was filled with sewage, garbage and plants.
The dirty lake could not provide clean water to nearby families.
Many borewells became dry or produced contaminated water, so residents had to buy water.
People first tried petitions, protests and other peaceful actions.
When little changed, more than 2,000 residents cleaned the lake themselves in 2019.
Their campaign helped secure ₹25 crore for restoration.
Workers stopped sewage from entering, drained the lake, removed dirty soil and made it deeper.
Today, people walk, exercise and spend time around the restored lake.
The lake also helps recharge groundwater and reduce flooding risks.
Chitlapakkam Lake, a 50-acre waterbody near Chennai, was polluted by sewage, garbage and water hyacinth.
Drying borewells and contaminated groundwater left residents dependent on purchased water despite living beside the lake.
After petitions and protests achieved little, more than 2,000 residents began a mass cleaning drive on 2 June 2019.
The restoration used a four-step process involving sewage diversion, draining, desilting and deepening the lake by 2.5 metres.
The revived lake now supports groundwater recharge and includes walking paths, greenery, an open-air gym and recreational spaces.
- Who
- More than 2,000 Chitlapakkam residents, supported by the volunteer group Chitlapakkam Rising, led the campaign.
- What
- Residents transformed a sewage-choked, garbage-filled lake into a restored waterbody and public recreation space.
- Where
- Chitlapakkam, a residential neighbourhood near Chennai, India.
- When
- The campaign lasted seven years; the mass cleaning drive began on 2 June 2019, and lake walk tours began in October 2023.
- Why
- Residents sought to restore groundwater, address water shortages and pollution, reduce flooding risks, and reclaim a neglected public space.
Key facts
- Lake size
- Approximately 50 acres
- Mass cleaning drive
- 2 June 2019
- Residents involved
- More than 2,000
- Restoration funding
- ₹25 crore sanctioned in the assembly after the campaign
- Lake deepening
- The lake was deepened by 2.5 metres
- Restoration method
- Sewage diversion, draining, desilting and deepening
- Current facilities
- Walking paths, greenery, an open-air gym, an amphitheatre and a basketball court
Quotes
Dayanand Krishnan
Civil engineer and adviser to Chitlapakkam Rising
“The lake was inaccessible due to years of neglect. Despite years of efforts in the form of postcards, petitions, protests, candlelight vigils, the government didn't pay heed. That's when we planned the mass cleaning drive.”
thebetterindia.com
“There wasn't even a drop of water in our homes. Some people even noticed contaminated black water in their borewell.”
thebetterindia.com
Sources
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