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        Residents of CST Nagar in suburban East Tambaram are worried about the groundwater contamination in their neighbourhood. The reason for contamination is said to be a nearby sewage pond.

POND OF SEWAGE: This is the private land which has now become a lake of dirt and waste water.

Sadly, a vast expanse of land abutting Manimegalai Street Extension, Chakravarthi Street and Babuji Street has now turned into a big reservoir of dirt and waste water because of sewage let into it from several places.         There is no arrangement for disposal of domestic sewage and it runs alongside the streets and culminates in the 'pond'.         Residents alleged that the authorities have not taken action despite several representations.         While several complained that they get discoloured water, some alleged that at times even worms were found.

        Some residents also said that sediments were found in the water. The quality of water in the wells and borewells for the area has turned worse, they said.

        Some residents close to Ladmal Garden showed few pet bottles which had discoloured water. They claimed that it was from their bore well.

        Recently, when a resident — whose house is adjacent to the sewage pond — wanted to build a sump, the effort was repeatedly thwarted as waste water continued to seep inside.

        'For over three weeks, our initiative to construct a sump has not succeeded,' the resident requesting anonymity said and added that they had to pump out the waste water.

        A senior official of a local welfare association lamented the state of affairs and wondered why the authorities are not interested in finding a solution to the problem. When asked, C Sai Ganesh, Councillor, 17th ward, Tambaram Municipality said that he had already taken up the matter with officials and hoped that the Municipal authorities will take action and solve this problem.

        'Residents and I hope that the authorities will take appropriate steps and bring an end to this trouble' he said.
 

Snake menace         Besides serving as a 'dam' of waste water the place also is full of garbage. Making it worse, the place is unlit and covered by thick vegetation and bushes. No wonder, the place is a convenient location for snakes and other kinds of reptiles.          Residents of CST Nagar regretted that quite often snakes get into their houses. An official of the Forest Department explained that rodents multiply when there is garbage or thick bushes.          The presence of rodents will invite snakes. 'It is essential to keep the place clean,' he said.