Restoration of Water Bodies

Historically, the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), which forms Chennai City and parts of Thiruvallur and Kancheevaram districts (Former Cingleput District), was a flourishing agricultural area for many centuries. But today due to fast growth of urbanisation agriculture has been reduced to nothing of importance. Although this region cannot boast of any perennial river/canal water resources agriculture was prosperous because of the   existence of a large number of lakes, ponds and estuaries. In fact, this region has the distinction of having the largest number of a network of lakes, ponds and estuaries in Tamilnadu. As urbanisation proceeded, many of the lakes and tanks have been destroyed to pave way for human settlement. And only a few lakes and tanks are remaining in the area Chennai City covering the city corporation limits. But reports show that these remaining lakes and ponds are being encroached upon by real estate developers and small communities. The public works department as well as local bodies has been mute spectators to the pernicious practice of encroachment of such as lakes and tanks and other water bodies. The suburban areas of CMA are estimated to have more than 3000 lakes and ponds. Although many of these  lakes and tanks are not important for agricultural requirements because of the decline farming activates due to urbanisation,  their preservation and  restoration are vital for meeting the rapidly growing demand for water in the city for domestic, industrial, commercial and other requirements. But it is saddening to note that most of these lakes and tanks are in danger of ruin due to encroachment by real estate tycoons with political patronage and official connivance. Corruption and bribery are the root causes of such mindless ruin of water bodies. The concerned officials are silent spectators of encroachment and spoil of water bodies  for they are able to fill their pockets with the illegal gratification received from the encroachers. It is gratifying to note that the government has at last woken up and plans are afoot to protect and restore the tanks and lakes   situated in the CMA. Agriculture still continues to be an important source of livelihoods in many areas of CMA. Therefore, the protection and maintenance of the lakes and tanks are important for sustain the livelihood of the remaining farmers. Moreover, the population of Chennai City and its suburbs are going to witness enormous growth of population. It is estimated that the population of Chennai City is expected to reach the 10 million mark by 2021.  So the preservation of these lakes and ponds is quite essential for meeting the demand for water for different purposes for the growing population. Moreover, restoration of the water bodies is essential to improve the local ecology and public spaces.  The plan to involve local people in the restoration projects is a good idea. The Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, which is entrusted with the restoration of lakes and ponds, should be strengthened with more staff and adequate funds. The government should
prepare a master plan to restore and preserve all water bodies in CMA as well as in rest of the state.

Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, Nov. 11, 2012