Home / Environment / Velachery Lake Threatened by Dumping and Encroachment
Velachery Lake Threatened by Dumping and Encroachment
5 Oct
Summary
- Debris dumping on Velachery lake bund signals new encroachment threat.
- Lake has shrunk from 108 hectares to 23 hectares due to past encroachment.
- Residents and experts call for protection of this vital freshwater source.
The Velachery lake is under renewed threat as debris dumping on its bund encroaches into the water. Residents allege this is a precursor to constructing shops, a plan reportedly initiated by local politicians. This development follows decades of encroachment that have drastically reduced the lake's size.
Originally covering 108 hectares, the lake, now managed by the Water Resources Department, has shrunk to approximately 23 hectares. The bund on the Velachery side already features concrete structures, and the remaining water area faces similar encroachment and pollution from sewage.
Conservationists stress the critical need to protect this water body, a significant source of freshwater and aquatic biodiversity for surrounding areas. Despite past eviction notices, encroachment removal faced challenges, and efforts are reportedly underway to provide land documents to encroachers. Rejuvenation plans are pending the removal of these encroachments.
