Minister N. Anand Launches Pre-Monsoon Desilting Drive Across Chennai Waterways

The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department inaugurated a special monsoon-preparedness desilting drive across Chennai's waterways on Monday, July 27, 2026, targeting key stretches including the Adyar river near Manapakkam. Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand launched the initiative following an inspection along the Cooum river near Koyambedu to improve carrying capacity and mitigate flood risks ahead of the Northeast monsoon.

The special drive is being executed in partnership with non-governmental organisations and supported through corporate social responsibility initiatives. Alongside the Adyar river near Manapakkam, desilting work will cover the Buckingham canal near Sholinganallur, as well as Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes. Minister Anand instructed department officials to complete all designated works before the onset of the monsoon season.

Citing traffic congestion, Minister Anand arrived at the launch venue on a two-wheeler. Senior officials accompanied him during the launch, including Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Satyabrata Sahoo alongside elected representatives. Following the launch, the minister proceeded to inspect ongoing desilting work at Okkiam Maduvu.

As part of the drive, NGO Exnora International has begun clearing water hyacinth and floating waste from stretches of the Cooum river near Koyambedu and Paruthipattu. Exnora International president Senthur Pari stated that the organisation is cleaning a stretch of a major waterway with fuel support from the department. The organisation plans to deploy five machinery over the next two to three months as part of its rent-free machinery initiative to restore waterbodies across the state.

During the event, representatives from voluntary organisations urged the state government to constitute an inter-departmental coordination committee. The committee would address persistent issues affecting waterways, including sewage pollution passing through stormwater drains and indiscriminate garbage dumping. Additionally, citizens' movement Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam, through secretary S. Sekaran, submitted a petition requesting that Korattur lake be declared a bird sanctuary and undergo comprehensive rejuvenation.

Minister Anand also reviewed drinking water facilities in Kannagi Nagar in the Sholinganallur constituency. Residents sought improved basic amenities, including drinking water supply, proper sewage disposal, and rectification of water leakages in residential buildings, prompting assurances of immediate action from the minister. The Water Resources Department conducts annual desilting operations to clean Chennai's waterways, having executed similar pre-monsoon works at a cost of ₹38 crore last year.