Periya Eri Lake: Echoes of a Lost Waterbody and a Call for Reviva

Introduction Periya Eri Lake, literally meaning “Big Lake,” is a once-prominent waterbody on the fringes of Chennai in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Also referred to as Pallavaram Lake, it was a vital ecological asset and a visual landmark so expansive that passing trains on the railway line from Pallavaram to Chromepet were visible even from its banks. However, over decades of urbanization, mismanagement, and pollution, the lake has been reduced to a mere shadow of its original form. This article explores its past glory, present condition, and the challenges threatening its survival, with insights into the broader implications for Chennai's water crisis.

Historical Significance and Natural Spread Periya Eri Lake once sprawled across an impressive 189 acres, acting not only as a source of water but also as a buffer against floods during monsoons. The ecosystem around it thrived with aquatic life, migratory birds, and local vegetation all supported by its clean waters. Its proximity to Pallavaram and Chromepet made it an easily accessible and well-regarded natural landmark. Historically, the lake also played a cultural role, with the south eastern edge housing a burial ground where ashes were immersed following last rites integrating the lake into community rituals.

Present Condition: A Damaged Ecosystem Today, the lake tells a tragic tale. Encroachments and illegal constructions have squeezed its banks, and in many places, concrete has overtaken earth. What remains is a small puddle on one side and a looming hillock of waste on the other. The once-vibrant blue waters now lie stagnant, polluted by chemical runoff and household sewage. The lake has become a dumping site for solid waste and construction debris, nullifying its original ecological purpose.

The split caused in 2001 by the development of the Pallavaram–Thoraipakkam Road further fractured the lake’s structure. Designed to connect Chennai Airport with Rajiv Gandhi Salai, the project divided the waterbody into two sections. The southern side became a receptacle for waste, while the northern section deteriorated due to unchecked sewage discharge from homes and commercial units, particularly from the Nagalakeni area. Leather factories in the vicinity have contributed heavily to the contamination chromium and other toxic effluents entering the lake and harming aquatic life.

Causes Behind the Lake’s Pollution The degradation of Periya Eri Lake can be attributed to several factors:

·         Garbage Dumping: For nearly a decade, waste from all 42 wards of Pallavaram Municipality has been dumped here, transforming the lake into an unofficial landfill.

·         Industrial Effluents: Leather industries situated to the west release untreated wastewater into the lake, bringing hazardous chemicals into the ecosystem.

·         Encroachments and Illegal Constructions: Rampant urban development on reclaimed lake land has shrunk the waterbody and obstructed natural inflow and outflow channels.

·         Government Apathy: Residents and environmentalists alike have pointed fingers at multiple government departments for failing to act. The lack of unified responsibility or inter-departmental coordination has enabled this ecological rot to fester.

Impact on Chennai’s Water Security Despite being located near Chennai a city that struggles with seasonal water shortages and relies heavily on tankers during peak summer the lake remains underutilized and neglected. Experts estimate that the city has over 3,000 lakes and ponds, many of which remain choked with silt or garbage. If Periya Eri Lake and others like it were properly desilted, rejuvenated, and maintained, they could significantly alleviate the city’s water stress and contribute to groundwater recharge.

Ecological and Public Health Risks The pollution has not only killed biodiversity but also poses health risks to communities living nearby. The leachate from garbage heaps contaminates soil and groundwater, while the noxious odor from sewage and waste affects air quality. Children playing near the lake, unaware of the toxicity, are especially vulnerable. Moreover, the presence of the burial ground adds another layer of pollution from ritual immersions a cultural practice that now intersects uncomfortably with environmental health concerns.

Path to Revival Restoring Periya Eri Lake is not an easy task, but it is possible with political will, community involvement, and sustainable planning. Key steps could include:

·         Desilting and Deepening: Removing silt and sediment would revive the lake's natural depth and improve water retention.

·         Waste Management: Relocating the garbage dump and implementing strict waste segregation could prevent further contamination.

·         Effluent Treatment: Monitoring and regulation of nearby industries, especially leather manufacturers, is crucial for cutting off toxic discharge.

·         Community Engagement: Involving local residents in lake clean-up drives and awareness campaigns can foster long-term stewardship.

·         Restoring Natural Inflows: Re-establishing feeder channels and rainwater harvesting systems would reconnect The Lake to its hydrological roots.

Conclusion Periya Eri Lake stands today as a poignant symbol of how rapid urbanization without ecological foresight can devastate nature. Once a lifeline and cultural touchstone, it is now a polluted and fragmented site. But it also offers a powerful opportunity: to rally civic bodies, citizens, and environmental organizations toward a shared goal of revival. If Chennai is to thrive sustainably, protecting and rejuvenating waterbodies like Periya Eri is not just desirable it’s essential.