Chennai: Around 1,620 houses in Annai Sathya Nagar, Sivanandha Colony and MKB Colony in Korattur are all set to get sewage connections under Metrowater’s Amrut 2.0 scheme by Jan.
The initiative aims to curb contamination of Korattur Lake caused by untreated sewage and to address illegal sewage connections to stormwater drains made by residents and local businesses.
For the past year, Metrowater has been working alongside Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to identify and disconnect unauthorised sewage lines. This is after National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of the issue.
In Korattur North, violations are rampant, with sewage from underground systems being pumped into stormwater drains, particularly along Second Main Road in Srinivasa Puram. “This is happening across wards 83 and 84 of zone 7, where stormwater drains eventually lead to lakes and ponds, causing severe pollution,” said Sekaran S, a resident-activist and founder of Korattur lake protecting people’s movement.
Earlier this year, two private sewage lorries were caught dumping untreated sewage into Korattur Lake. A case was registered, and the owners were fined 25,000 each. Metrowater also recommended suspending their vehicle permits. This action was made possible by CCTV cameras installed around the lake as per NGT directions.
However, residents allege that illegal dumping by private lorries continues unchecked.
Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns about the high cost of new sewage connections under the Amrut 2.0 scheme. Ashwini L, a resident of MKB Colony, said, “Metrowater authorities are asking us to pay 40,000– 50,000 for the connection. This is a significant burden for middle-class families like us.”
Area engineer Sridevi M of zone 7 said that connection charges vary based on property size.
