Why is Sembakkam Lake polluted with sewage?

Untreated sewage is illegally discharged from underground drainage systems and manually diverted into channels leading to the lake.

What has the National Green Tribunal (NGT) done about Sembakkam Lake?

The NGT previously directed authorities to take action, but residents allege the situation has not improved, leading to fresh litigation.

Are there health risks associated with Sembakkam Lake's pollution?

Yes, residents report potential health issues like skin rashes due to suspected groundwater contamination from the sewage.

Home / Environment / Sembakkam Lake Choked by Sewage: Activists Cry Foul

Sembakkam Lake Choked by Sewage: Activists Cry Foul

23 Jan

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Summary

Untreated sewage illegally discharged into Sembakkam Lake despite NGT orders.
₹10 crore rejuvenation funds remain unused due to ongoing litigation.
Health concerns rise as sewage contaminates groundwater and lake water.

Sembakkam Lake Choked by Sewage: Activists Cry Foul

Sembakkam Lake, a significant freshwater wetland within the Tambaram Corporation, is currently facing severe environmental degradation due to the continuous illegal discharge of untreated sewage. Activists report that this practice persists despite previous interventions and orders from the National Green Tribunal.

The lake's original spread of 150 acres has diminished to approximately 100 acres because of encroachments. In Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, Chromepet, residents have observed sewage being manually diverted from underground drainage overflows into a well, then released into the Pachaimalai Canal, which ultimately drains into Sembakkam Lake.

Concerns are mounting over public health, with reports of skin rashes potentially linked to contaminated groundwater. A ₹10 crore fund allocated by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority in 2023 for lake rejuvenation has remained unused since 2023 due to ongoing litigation, further delaying critical restoration efforts.