Counter affidavit filed by the Department of Environment, Tamil Nadu dated 12/01/2021.

The matter dealt with allegations of raw sewage encroachments in Korattur, Ambathur, Madhavaram, Peerknkaranai and Adambakkam lakes.

The Department of Environment has extended financial assistance towards eco-restoration of water bodies - through the concerned custodian of the water bodies in the districts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur, the report stated.

The Public Works Department had submitted a proposal for the rehabilitation and restoration of Madavaram, Ambathur and Korattur wetland complex at a cost of Rs. 59.18 crores. The proposal was considered by Tamil Nadu government and the funds had been routed through the Department of Environment between 2014-15 and 2017-18. Mud flat, foreshore fund formations, removal of encroachments, erection of boundary pillars, foot path, removal of hyacinth, desilting, removal of deposition in the bed of tank like solid waste, sediments, biological and chemical wastes, provision of retaining wall, diversion of sewage inlets, formation of islands for bird diversty have been carried out.

The Department of Environment had also approached departments like the Greater Chennai Corporation, PWD on the issue of sewage plaguing Madavaram, Ambathur and Korattur wetland complex.