Chennai Mobilizes Civil Society for Major Waterway Desilting Drive
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has partnered with NGOs and corporate entities to clear key river stretches before the monsoon. State officials aim to boost flood mitigation capacity through a rapid three-day intensive cleaning operation.
Private-Public Partnership Targets Flood Prevention
In a shift toward collaborative infrastructure maintenance, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) commenced a specialized desilting campaign on July 27, 2026. This three-day initiative leverages support from non-governmental organizations and corporate social responsibility funds to clear Chennai's vital drainage arteries. Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N. Anand inaugurated the operations at the Cooum river near Koyambedu, arriving by two-wheeler to bypass local traffic congestion.
Priority Zones and Technical Execution
This pre-monsoon effort focuses on several critical locations to expand water carrying capacity, including:
- The Adyar river near Manapakkam
- The Buckingham canal at Sholinganallur
- Okkiam Maduvu and the Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes
Exnora International is currently spearheading the removal of water hyacinth and floating debris along the Cooum river stretches at Paruthipattu and Koyambedu. According to Exnora President Senthur Pari, the organization is utilizing five machines through a rent-free initiative, with the department providing the necessary fuel. While the high-intensity drive lasts three days, these restoration works are expected to continue for two to three months.
Civil Society Demands and Long-term Restoration
During the site inspections, which included Principal Secretary Satyabrata Sahoo, the Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam submitted a petition to designate Korattur lake as a bird sanctuary. Secretary S. Sekaran emphasized the need for a total rejuvenation of the lake to protect migratory habitats.
Furthermore, participating NGOs have called for the creation of an inter-departmental coordination committee. Such a body would tackle persistent threats to the waterways, specifically focusing on the illegal dumping of garbage and the discharge of raw sewage through stormwater drains. While last year's desilting projects cost approximately ₹38 crore, the department expects a new government directive to authorize additional comprehensive pre-monsoon works shortly.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
