The Water Resources Department (WRD) initiated a contentious operation to clear encroachments from Retteri Lake, a key water body in western Chennai, on July 24, 2024. Despite a court mandate for eviction, the drive faced significant resistance from local residents, leading to tense standoffs at MGR Nagar, Puzhal. Heavy police presence was required to manage the situation, which saw some protesters threatening self-harm.
The operation targets 78 encroached structures and is part of a ₹43.19 crore project to enhance Retteri Lake’s capacity to 46 million cubic feet, making it a crucial buffer for Chennai’s drinking water supply. The project also includes infrastructure upgrades to support flood mitigation and water distribution.