Residents in Velachery have flagged ongoing land reclamation at Kallukuttai lake, warning it will heighten flood risks in the area near a Ramsar site.
Residents took to social media on Sunday to highlight the Public Works Department filling more than 25 acres of the waterbody with soil. They linked the activity to plans for Dr. Ambedkar Law University and said it affects wards 177 and 178.
Velachery resident S. Kumararaja stated that the work forms part of the Pallikaranai marshland Ramsar site. He noted a complaint filed with the Greater Chennai Corporation weeks earlier, after which officials promised action.
Disaster management expert N. Mathavan warned that Velachery will flood if the reclamation continues. Local welfare groups including the Velachery Annai Indira Nagar Welfare Association have called on the state government to halt the project.
GCC officials said they could restore the area as a waterbody if the Directorate of Technical Education grants permission.