Chennai Corp removes hyacinth from Velachery and Okkiam Maduvu
Posted on: 23/Jun/2017 12:27:03 PM
As there is no desilting equipment available with the PWD, the state government has instructed the Chennai Corporation to remove water hyacinth from Velachery Lake and Okiyam Maduvu channel.
The Velachery Lake is widespread across 75 acres of land. This acts as a prominent ground water source. The maduvu is also a crucial one with 2.8 km length. The excessive drain water from Pallikaranai marshlands enter the Buckingham canal. During the December 2015 floods in Chennai, the maduvu’s flood discharge capacity got hit. Due to this, a lot of localities near OMR got submerged in rain water.
As per local body officials, the necessary works for removal of hyacinth from the lake have started. This additional job has however not pleased the corporation sources, as the works to desilt the storm water drain of about 1800 km length have still not begun. Either of these water bodies belong to the PWD. The necessary equipment are not available with the PWD. Hence, we have requested the government to wrap up the work, says an official.
Four robotic excavators were recently brought by the corporation. Each of these were priced of the range 4 crore. There was also an amphibian vehicle sourced as well. Only merchandized fibre boats are involved in fighting against the hyacinth.
