Untreated sewage and domestic garbage continue to be discharged into the Pallikaranai marshland from adjacent residential neighbourhoods.
Vidyasagar Jagadeesan, a Chennai-based activist, claimed that he recently observed sewage inflows at two locations close to the marshland limits during a visit to the park close by. “Untreated sewage and plastic waste are being let out into the Pallikaranai freshwater marshland,” he said. He added that the civic authorities must investigate those responsible for the contamination and take action.
One inlet was identified on the opposite side of the marshland, from the Mahalakshmi Nagar and Balaji Nagar areas, he said.
He added that thick clusters of invasive water hyacinth were choking the top surface of the water body beneath utility pipelines. The stagnant, dark water is polluted with discarded plastic water bottles, polythene materials, and household waste accumulating heavily near concrete drainage culverts.
“A second discharge point was located at the Kaiveli junction, carrying sewage from Velachery and AGS Colony into the waterbody. The discharge is visible near the two bridges situated inside the park’s designated walking area. The water contamination at both junctions is severe,” he said.
