Sewage stagnation near Chitlapakkam Lake raises concern

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The drainage route at the Kannagi Street-Periyar Street junction, chocked and blocked. | Photo Credit: T. Arvind

Residents of Tambaram Corporation’s Zone 3 have urged the civic body to take immediate steps to clear a blocked drainage outlet that has resulted in sewage stagnation along the western side of Chitlapakkam Lake and the rear section of Kannagi Street.

In a memorandum submitted to the Commissioner, Tambaram City Municipal Corporation, the Tambaram Corporation Zone 3 Residents Welfare Association said waste water from Chitlapakkam 2nd Main Road, the TB Hospital area and Periyar Street was flowing through an existing drainage route behind Periyar Street, adjoining the lakeside stretch. Waste water from East Tambaram also joins the same route and flows towards one end of Kannagi Street, it said.

According to S.M. Govindarajan, president, Tambaram Corporation Zone 3 Residents Welfare Association, the outlet at the Kannagi Street end is currently blocked or closed, preventing waste water from flowing further and resulting in stagnation along the upstream stretches.

The stagnation has led to foul odour and mosquito breeding, There is also the concern of contamination of soil and groundwater and the resultant public-health risks, Govindarajan said.

Route map identifying the blocked drainage outlet near Kannagi Street and the resulting sewage stagnation corridor along the western side of Chitlapakkam Lake.

The association has also sought immediate desilting and rectification of the canal along Judge Colony 2nd Main Road. It may be recalled that The Hindu Downtown had highlighted on June 21, 2026, the issue of sewage and rainwater sharing ‘chambers’ in Judge Colony.

However, no action has been taken by the Corporation so far, Govindarajan said.

The residents have urged the Corporation to conduct a joint inspection involving its Engineering and Public Health/Sanitary teams to assess the drainage route and identify the obstruction.

They have sought removal of the blockage and desilting of the affected drainage route, besides restoration of a safe and continuous flow to the authorised sewerage/drainage system.

The association has specifically requested that steps be taken to ensure that untreated sewage does not enter Chitlapakkam Lake.

As an interim measure, the Corporation has been urged to arrange pumping, cleaning and disinfection wherever necessary until a permanent solution is implemented. Govindarajan has also sought a permanent engineering solution to prevent recurrence of the problem and requested the Corporation to share details of the proposed remedial measures and timeline for execution.

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