Water Resources Department launches special desilting drive along Chennai waterways

The Water Resources Department has initiated a special desilting drive along Chennai's waterways, targeting the Cooum River, Buckingham Canal, and several stormwater drains. The operation began on Monday, with teams working to remove accumulated silt and debris that could hinder water flow during the monsoon season.

Scope of the operation

The drive covers stretches of waterways that have seen significant silt buildup over the past months. Department officials stated that heavy machinery, including excavators and dredgers, has been deployed at key locations. Workers are manually clearing smaller drains and canals where machines cannot reach.

According to the department, the desilting is being carried out in phases. The first phase focuses on the Cooum River from its mouth to the Koyambedu area and the Buckingham Canal from Thiruvottiyur to Muttukadu. These stretches are critical for stormwater drainage in the city.

Pre-monsoon preparedness

The initiative is part of the department's pre-monsoon preparedness plan. Officials said the goal is to complete the desilting before the northeast monsoon, which typically arrives in October. Last year, heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in several parts of Chennai, prompting calls for better drainage maintenance.

Residents have welcomed the move. Many have complained about the foul smell and mosquito breeding in water bodies choked with garbage and silt. The department has urged citizens not to dump waste into the waterways.

Challenges ahead

Despite the drive, officials acknowledged challenges. Encroachments along some canals have narrowed their width, reducing the effectiveness of desilting. The department is coordinating with the Chennai Corporation and other agencies to address these issues.

Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the disposal of the removed silt. The department said it is following guidelines to dump the material at designated sites away from residential areas. However, activists have called for better monitoring to prevent illegal dumping.

The drive is expected to continue for at least two months, subject to weather conditions. The department has not disclosed the total cost of the operation.

As the monsoon approaches, the success of this desilting drive will be tested by the first heavy downpour. Officials remain optimistic that the measures will reduce flooding risks in low-lying areas of Chennai.