Perumbakkam lake, a vital part of the Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai, has been turned into an unauthorised dumpyard, posing grave environmental and health risks. The Perumbakkam panchayat has reportedly been dumping household and biomedical waste near the lake, creating a six-foot-high mound stretching over 100 metres. This ecological hazard is compounded by private water tankers tapping water from the contaminated lakebed, which is supplied untreated to nearby IT companies. The absence of a proper waste transfer station in the panchayat underscores a systemic failure in urban waste management.
The environmental and civic repercussions are alarming. As part of the marshland, the lake plays a critical role in mitigating floods in south Chennai. Leachate from the garbage risks polluting groundwater and lake water, endangering the safety of nearby residents who rely on private tankers or groundwater. “We are afraid to use groundwater as we see tankers drawing water near the dumpyard,” shared a worried resident. A local activist pointed out that the dumping has persisted for months, jeopardising not only human health but also the ecological balance of the marshland.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of a proposed Rs 100 crore lake redevelopment initiative by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The Rs 10 crore facelift planned for Perumbakkam lake is part of this larger effort, yet the ongoing pollution threatens to derail these plans. Residents are urging government authorities to prioritise waste management and ensure water quality standards are adhered to, reflecting a critical need for sustainable urban development.
From a sustainability perspective, restoring the lake and curbing waste dumping are essential for preserving its role as a flood mitigator and water source. As Perumbakkam prepares to merge with the Tambaram Corporation next year, the integration of robust waste management systems is imperative to prevent similar crises. The municipal administration must act swiftly to safeguard the environment and public health while honouring the ecological value of this critical water body.
