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Sembakkam Lake Plagued by Sewage Pollution, Residents Demand Action
13 Nov
Summary
- Sewage discharged into Sembakkam lake through floodwater channel
- Lack of sewage pumping stations in the neighborhood
- Restoration project for the lake yet to take off
As of November 13th, 2025, residents of Sembakkam have raised serious concerns over the ongoing issue of raw sewage being discharged into the Sembakkam lake. The 100-acre peri-urban lake is part of the network of waterbodies linked to the Pallikaranai marshland, and while some restoration efforts have been made, the core problem of sewage pollution remains unresolved.
Residents of nearby areas like Sri Sarvamangala Nagar and Chitlapakkam allege that sewage from various streets is being connected to the channels carrying floodwater, which then flows into the Sembakkam lake. This untreated sewage release is leading to environmental degradation and contaminating the groundwater in the region.
The residents have also flagged the lack of sufficient sewage pumping stations in the neighborhood to collect and treat the wastewater. A new facility being constructed at Thiru.Vi.Ka.Nagar is yet to be completed, further exacerbating the issue.
The Sembakkam lake is one of the 10 waterbodies chosen for restoration and lakefront development by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. However, the project, which includes the construction of a sewage treatment plant, is yet to take off, leaving the residents frustrated with the lack of progress.
