Tambarams Environmental Troubles Amid Rising Water Pollution
The Tambaram Corporation in Chennai is currently under intense scrutiny after a series of water pollution incidents have raised alarm bells among residents and environmental activists. In December 2024, two people tragically died, and many others were hospitalised with acute gastrointestinal disorders in Pallavaram, prompting public outrage and a deeper investigation into the state of the area’s water bodies. Despite several orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has repeatedly called on the corporation to take action, pollution continues to plague the water bodies in the region, exacerbating the health crisis.
A significant issue that residents continue to report is the unchecked discharge of raw sewage and waste into local waterbodies. One such example is a direct sewage discharge into the Keelkattalai canal, which has been spotted by numerous local residents. Durairaj Mohan, a local resident, noted the unbearable stench and the clear indication that the authorities are not doing enough to combat this pressing issue. Other waterbodies, such as Putheri Lake near Chromepet and Keelkattalai Lake along Radial Road, have also become dumping grounds for waste, with no significant action being taken to address the growing concerns.
To combat these issues, the corporation has proposed a 4.5 crore sewage collection and treatment system. The initiative, expected to be completed within three to four months, comes after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) instructed the Tambaram Corporation to set up a sewage system, delineate lake boundaries, and clean up stormwater drains. In addition, the corporation has taken steps to monitor waste disposal by tracking garbage trucks through a GPS-enabled system at the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) inaugurated in November 2024. This system allows for the monitoring of waste disposal routes, stops, and violations of illegal dumping. However, the monitoring system is reportedly hindered by trucks coming from nearby panchayats, making it more challenging to address the problem effectively.
While these measures may show the corporation’s intent to address the pollution issue, environmental activists believe these actions are too little and too slow. P. Viswanathan, an environmental activist from Chitlapakkam, argued that it was high time for the corporation to follow the NGT’s orders and take more immediate action to halt the damage to the region’s water bodies. The formation of a dedicated team to monitor sewage disposal in all 70 wards is a step in the right direction, but many activists feel the corporation has been slow to implement lasting changes.
From a sustainability standpoint, the ongoing pollution in Tambaram highlights a deeper problem of urban mismanagement and neglect. The failure to properly manage waste disposal and wastewater treatment not only affects public health but also endangers the local ecosystem. Water bodies like Keelkattalai and Putheri Lake, which play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity and acting as water sources for surrounding areas, are now severely contaminated. As urbanisation continues to increase in Chennai, effective waste management strategies must be a priority to ensure the sustainability of the city’s resources and public health.
In the long run, addressing water pollution in Tambaram will require systemic changes, including proper waste management infrastructure, community awareness, and stronger enforcement of environmental laws. Ensuring that future developments in the city adhere to sustainable urban planning principles will be key to averting similar issues in other areas. Only then can Chennai hope to tackle its growing water pollution crisis and protect the health of its residents and environment.
