KNEE DEEP: Thandukarai Nagar in Chengalpattu inundated due to breach of the Gundur lake bund. — Photo : A. Muralitharan

CHENNAI: Tuesday's breach of the Gundur lake bund has brought into focus the need for redefining the role of urban lakes. A review has become crucial as it is linked to protection of such water bodies.

The Gundur breach has been linked with encroachers. The Public Works Department, `custodian' of water sources, quickly plugged the breach.

As in the case of tanks in and around Chennai, the Gundur lake, located near Chengalpattu town, is no longer used as an irrigation tank. "There is no ayacut," says an official. There is no need for the PWD to release water from the lake to farmers and it has adopted a hands-off approach. This is the case with several tanks around which cities and towns have developed in recent decades. Conscious of the development, the State Government, three years ago, ordered that control of tanks in and around Chennai be transferred to Metrowater from the PWD so that they could be better utilised. Around 20 tanks were handed over to Metrowater last year.

The issue is how to protect such urban lakes and who should do it.

There is consensus among all sections that these water bodies can be used as sources of drinking water supply. The tanks may not be able to take care of the local needs for a longer period. The water will be sufficient for two-three months.

A critical issue before earmarking them for drinking water supply is removal of encroachment on the water bodies, supply courses and drainage channels. Encroachment will contribute to pollution and there should be no ambiguity over eliminating the menace, point out experts.

On the method to be followed in using the lakes for water supply, a senior official of the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board says the concept of drawing water directly from `ooranies' and ponds is not in vogue in the State. The lakes can serve as recharge structures for wells sunk near them. The method will be cost effective as there is no need for elaborate treatment process.

However, an official of Chennai Metrowater, pointing out the advancements in water treatment technology, says onsite solutions are possible and water can be drawn directly from the lakes. If it does not have excess hardness or iron content, installation of pressure filters and automatic chlorination equipment will suffice.

All agree that the local bodies concerned should handle the water supply and be adequately equipped in terms of technical know-how, financial powers and manpower. The Public Works, Revenue and Municipal Administration departments should sit together and identify those lakes and tanks that have no ayacut and can be used for drinking water supply.

As demonstrated in Tiruvallur district, the local administration in other parts of the State too should be pro-active in removing encroachment and protecting water sources.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail