Members of the Puzhal Eri, Arafat Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam staged a protest seeking long-awaited restoration of Arafat lake at Thirumullaivoyal here on Wednesday.
Spread over nearly 38 acre, the lake is a major groundwater source for Thirumullaivoyal and the surrounding neighbourhood. It belongs to the chain of water bodies in the western fringes of the city. The lake’s excess water drains into Ambattur lake. S. Sundaramurthy, its president said “We have been fighting a battle for restoration of the lake for seven years now. Several dead fish were found floating in the lake recently. The lake is severely affected with sewage pollution and thick growth of vegetation.”
Pointing out that the lake’s original extent has shrunk over the years owing to urbanisation and encroachments, Mr. Sundaramurthy said the two sewage treatment plants along CTH Road and Saravana Nagar were not functioning properly. This led to the entry of raw sewage into the lake.
The organisation demanded that the lake be desilted and bund be strengthened. Representatives from other organisations like Exnora International and Korattur Eri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam participated. The agitation was called off after the Avadi municipal corporation assured them to start a restoration project worth ₹50 lakh in a few days.
Officials of the Water Resources Department said they are in the process of giving no objection certificate to facilitate Avadi corporation to implement the work.
Published - October 16, 2025 06:51 am IST
