Not all visitors to Chitlapakkam Lake find the music pleasing

A karaoke performance held along the Chitlapakkam lake pathway. | Photo Credit: T. Arvind Ever since the walkers’ pathway along the rejuvenated Chitlapakkam Lake was opened to the public in 2023, hundreds of residents, including youngsters and senior citizens, have been using it regularly.With LED lamps illuminating the lake after dusk, women can be seen in considerable numbers even after 7 p.m.For Shruthika, a college student, evenings on most of her days off are spent at the lake. “I like the ambience and the surroundings,” she said. However, she added that a few recent irritants were beginning to overshadow the otherwise pleasant experience.One of her concerns was the mushrooming of “karaoke” culture in public spaces, which, she said, had now reached the lake too.According to officials, a karaoke orchestra by a retired insurance officer was being conducted to raise funds for visually challenged artistes and underprivileged families, with the approval of the relevant authorities. “We are not complaining about them,” Shruthika said, acknowledging that the evening performances at the designated spot near the Lake Park were welcomed by walkers. The Hindu Downtown had reported on the orchestra and its charitable cause in its January 18, 2026 edition.However, Shruthika and another senior citizen who regularly walk at the lake said that, over the past month, a pair of youngsters had begun regularly singing karaoke songs about 100 metres away from the orchestra, on the western side of the lake.“After a long walk, this is where many senior citizens prefer to sit and enjoy the breeze. But this latest ‘entertainment’ disturbs the ambience and even affects a casual conversation among us,” said the senior citizen. “With due respect to their interests, I only appeal to them to choose another platform for ‘practice’, as they call it.”Walkers and activists have urged the Tambaram Corporation and the law-enforcement authorities to prevent individuals or groups from misusing public spaces or violating norms. “Talent grooming cannot be done at the expense of the general public,” said another walker, Henry. “When commuters are instructed to use earphones instead of speakers from mobile even on the Metro Rail, how can peace be disturbed at such an ambient place?” he wondered. He also felt that no more such orchestras should be allowed to ‘perform’ at the lake.When contacted, a sanitary inspector of the Corporation, Chitlapakkam zone said no permission had been given either to the public or individuals to conduct unauthorised concerts along the lake pathway. “We will check and ensure that there is no disturbance to the public,” he said.Other concerns Overgrown bushes along the Chitlapakkam lake pathway that walkers want the Corporation to clear. | Photo Credit: T. Arvind Shruthika also flagged the overgrown bushes along the southern end of the pathway, adjacent to the burial ground complex. She said the bushes needed to be cleared as the area was frequented by reptiles and other insects.Another issue flagged by regular visitors to the lake is despite the presence of volunteers and the police, some motorists continue to park their vehicles right in front of the entrance gate on Chitlapakkam Main Road. The Corporation had recently provided parking facilities at two designated locations nearby, which can accommodate more than 100 vehicles.Walkers have also suggested that the lake pathway be kept open until 9.30 p.m., as many office-goers return home only around 8 p.m. or later.A simple roof-like shelter at one or two designated spots along the 1-km pathway could also be considered. “During sudden rain, it will be helpful to take shelter, and provide some relief to security personnel during their patrol,” a visitor said. Published - September 26, 2026 10:58 pm IST