Chennai’s waterways are set to receive a significant upgrade this year, as the Water Resources Department (WRD) launches pre-monsoon cleaning efforts aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of vegetation clogging the city’s critical water systems. With the Northeast monsoon approaching in October, the WRD has secured roughly ₹38 crore to propel 195 projects that include key infrastructural work in Cuddalore and other regions, ensuring the free flow of water in essential channels like the Cooum, Buckingham Canal, and the Adyar River.
Traditionally, the WRD begins clearing floating waste and aquatic weeds prior to the monsoon, but this year’s early initiatives have garnered mixed reactions from local residents. While many welcome the efforts, they emphasize the necessity for consistent and effective maintenance to prevent future blockages. “The North Buckingham Canal gets overwhelmed by thick vegetation just weeks after any clean-up,” remarked R. Loganathan, a resident of R.K. Nagar. He proposed the installation of trash boom barriers to capture water hyacinth and debris, arguing that combating sewage inflow from minor waterways and storm drains is crucial for the efficacy of these cleaning operations.
Currently, 19 projects are underway in Buckingham Canal to eliminate floating debris that obstructs water flow. Machinery has been deployed strategically at sites like the Lattice Bridge and Indira Nagar Bridge to expedite the desilting process. Community leaders stress the importance of rigorous oversight in the execution of these projects. S. Swaminathan, secretary of the JAMBA United Welfare Association, highlighted issues along the Cooum River, particularly where aquatic weeds proliferate near bridges. “It’s essential to clear the riverbanks of garbage and address new encroachments,” he emphasized, underscoring the need for a unified approach to maintaining the waterways.
In addition to the Buckingham Canal and the Cooum, the WRD is committed to ongoing efforts through the year to address various other key water bodies. This includes crucial cleaning operations at Porur Lake, Okkiam Maduvu, and stretches of the Adyar River near Manapakkam, as well as approximately 20 kilometers of the Cooum River. The WRD has also announced that the removal of sandbars in estuaries will be a part of their continued efforts, aiming for comprehensive water flow enhancement.
As part of its initiative to curb pollution, the Perumbakkam panchayat has placed boards along five sites of the Buckingham Canal to warn against illegal dumping. Local authorities are not only conducting awareness campaigns; they are also taking active measures by seizing vehicles used for discharging sewage and solid waste into the canal.
With the rainy season on the horizon, residents and officials alike recognize that while these measures are a step in the right direction, ongoing collaboration among government agencies and local communities is vital for preserving the health and functionality of Chennai’s waterways. The combined efforts may hold the key to ensuring that these lifelines of the city remain clean, accessible, and resilient against the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/work-to-clean-chennais-waterways-begins-ahead-of-schedule-this-year-residents-call-for-coordinated-efforts-to-maintain-waterways/article69713810.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-06-20 02:20:00
