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Sewage Chokes Historic Lake: Rejuvenation Efforts Fail
20 Feb
Summary
- Veeraraghavan Eri has shrunk from 30 acres to just 10 acres.
- Untreated sewage and plastic waste have choked the once-freshwater lake.
- Despite tribunal orders, rejuvenation work has not yet commenced.
Veeraraghavan Eri, a lake that once spanned 30 acres and served farmers for irrigation, is now critically endangered. As of February 20, 2026, the lake has reduced to approximately 10 acres, largely due to unchecked sewage discharge, plastic waste, and encroachments.
Located near Chromepet, this supplementary lake feeding Thiruneermalai Periya Eri has become both an eyesore and a public health risk. In 2023, the National Green Tribunal mandated the Tambaram Corporation and water resources department to clear the sewage-filled lake within six months. However, residents state that no work has been initiated.
Activists emphasize the continuous sewage inflow, even with an existing underground drainage system, as a major impediment. They argue that without halting the sewage, any rejuvenation of downstream areas like Thiruneermalai lake will be undermined. The potential for Veeraraghavan Eri to store rainwater remains unrealized.
Despite hundreds of notices issued to violators and past resident committee demands, action has been lacking. Tambaram Corporation has proposed a '13.2 crore restoration plan, with an additional '3 crore from CSR funds. Officials indicate that restoration work is expected to commence soon.
