The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) inaugurated a special desilting drive across various stretches of the Chennai’s waterways on Monday (July 27, 2026), in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as part of its monsoon preparedness activities.

Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand launched the three-day special drive with inspection of works along the Cooum river near Koyambedu. The drive, which would be carried out with the support of NGOs and as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, would help improve the carrying capacity of the waterways and mitigate flood risks in and around the city.

Mr. Anand instructed the officials to complete the works ahead of the Northeast monsoon. The special drive would be executed in multiple locations, including the Adyar river near Manapakkam, the Buckingham canal near Sholinganallur, and the Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes.

Interestingly, the Minister arrived at the venue on a two-wheeler, citing traffic congestion. Senior officials, including Satyabrata Sahoo, Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department, and elected representatives, were present. Mr. Anand later inspected the works at Okkiam Maduvu.

Exnora International, an NGO, is involved in clearing water hyacinth and floating waste from the stretches of the Cooum river near Koyambedu and Paruthipattu. Senthur Pari, president, Exnora International, said: “Voluntary organisations are normally granted permission to clean or restore waterbodies or water channels. This time, we are cleaning a stretch of a major waterway with fuel support from the department.”

The organisation, which is already involved in removing invasive vegetation and restoring waterbodies across the State through a rent-free machinery initiative, would deploy five machinery for the work to be implemented over the next two or three months.

Korattur lake rejuvenation

Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam, a Chennai-based citizens’ movement, also submitted a petition to the Minister for the Korattur lake to be declared as a bird sanctuary. KAPMI’s secretary S. Sekaran said they also insisted on the long-pending demand of a comprehensive rejuvenation of the lake, which serves as a habitat for resident and migratory birds.

Representatives from various voluntary organisations also urged the government to constitute an inter-departmental coordination committee to address issues affecting the waterways, including sewage pollution through stormwater drains and indiscriminate garbage dumping.

The WRD undertakes annual desilting works to clean the waterways and waterbodies in and around Chennai as part of monsoon preparedness. Last year, such works were executed at a cost of nearly ₹38 crore. A government directive for the comprehensive premonsoon works is expected shortly, sources said.

Published - July 27, 2026 03:51 pm IST