Residents of Sembakkam have approached the Chengalpattu district administration after the Assembly election, demanding immediate action to restore Sembakkam Lake and address several long-pending civic issues.
During the election campaign, local residents had already submitted requests and representations to political candidates, hoping their concerns would be prioritized. Now, after the elections, they are urging district officials to take concrete steps.
According to residents, they have been fighting for the restoration and rejuvenation of Sembakkam Lake for more than 20 years. The lake is considered a crucial groundwater recharge source for the area and plays an important role in maintaining local water resources.
Although authorities previously constructed a new channel to carry rainwater from Chitlapakkam Lake to Sembakkam Lake, residents say the system has created new problems. Sewage from nearby neighborhoods is reportedly entering Sembakkam Lake through this channel and connected stormwater drains, severely polluting the water body.
Local people fear that continued sewage contamination is damaging the lake’s ecosystem, reducing groundwater quality, and threatening the environment.
Residents are demanding proper sewage diversion systems, lake cleaning measures, and long-term restoration projects to protect the water body for future generations.
They hope the district administration will now take stronger action to preserve Sembakkam Lake and solve the area’s ongoing civic challenges.