WRD Sanctions ₹42 Crore for Pre-Monsoon Cleanup of Adyar River and Other Waterways

The Water Resources Department (WRD) is set to begin annual pre-monsoon preparedness works across waterways in Chennai, including the Adyar river, following the sanctioning of approximately ₹42 crore for 202 projects across five districts.

A government order was issued recently approving the ₹42 crore allocation ahead of the upcoming Northeast monsoon. According to department sources, the desilting and clearing works are scheduled to begin next week across the five covered districts, which include Cuddalore.

The sanctioned funds will be directed toward removing dense vegetation that impedes the free flow of floodwater, dredging silt and debris from rivers and canals, and repairing shutters and other hydraulic structures. WRD officials have also been instructed to remove any encroachments that directly obstruct the flow of floodwater where immediately required.

In addition to the Adyar river, the pre-monsoon exercise will address critical stretches along major waterways, including the Buckingham canal, Cooum, Araniyar, and Kosasthalaiyar rivers. The department will clear floating waste and aquatic weeds, alongside removing sandbars accumulated at river mouths such as the Cooum and Araniyar, as well as sea mouths in Pudupattinam and Muttukadu. Waterbodies in areas including Velachery and Perumbakkam will also undergo clearing.

Under the government mandate, the WRD must document progress at various stages and submit an impact assessment report. Work details must also be uploaded to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Information and Management System. The 202 works are to be monitored and certified for completion by the respective district collectors.

The intervention comes amid rising concerns from local residents and civic groups regarding weed-choked waterbodies and major river channels. Last month, the WRD initiated a special desilting drive on select stretches with volunteers and non-governmental organisations while awaiting comprehensive funding. Officials confirmed that the newly sanctioned cleanup operations will continue through the Northeast monsoon period.