The vanishing lakes of Chennai
The city of Chennai is renowned for its myriad attributes, such as being the second oldest municipal corporation in the world, the iconic British establishments, and the longest beach in Asia, but not many know it for the large number of lakes and water tanks within the small area. I have grown up in a place with two lakes, 7-8 small ponds, 40-45 round wells, and a copious 100 acres of agricultural land in my neighborhood. Since my childhood (the early 2000s), the two lakes in our vicinity catered to the needs of our people in several ways like play ground during summer, a fishing ground during monsoon, a source of water for domestic use and agriculture, an open swimming pool for the kids and a place of recreation for elders in the evenings. My friends and I swam and played in the lake often, also bunk school, and hid around the bushes of water tanks. The only leisure place for most of us. I could say the COVID-19 lockdown was our final fun time with some mischievous activities. Ever s...