Thu Jan 23 16:10:14 UTC 2025: ## Puzhithivakkam Lake Suffers From Neglect, Residents Complain
**Chennai, January 23, 2025** – Residents and activists are raising concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Puzhithivakkam lake, also known as ‘Sitheri,’ located between Madipakkam and Ullagaram-Puzhithivakkam in Chennai’s southern suburbs. Despite its popularity as a walking spot, the lake suffers from poor maintenance, including broken walkways and significant garbage accumulation along its bund.
Seeni Sethuraman, an office-bearer of the Water Bodies Rejuvenation Form Trust, criticized the lack of regular cleaning by both the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Water Resources Department (WRD). While the GCC claims to regularly clean the walkways, Mr. Sethuraman alleges that insufficient action is being taken to address the overall poor condition of the lake and the public’s lack of awareness regarding its upkeep. He highlighted the accumulation of garbage as a major issue.
A senior GCC official from the Sholinganallur zone acknowledged that the WRD is responsible for the waterbody itself, but maintained that the corporation continues to clean the surrounding walkways. The discrepancy in responsibility and the continued deterioration of the lake highlight the need for coordinated efforts between the GCC and WRD to improve the lake’s condition and prevent further environmental damage.
First Piper 