Minister Anand inspects Adyar river areas amid pollution concerns

Chennai: Minister Anand on Monday carried out a field inspection of several areas along the Adyar river, as part of ongoing efforts to assess pollution levels and encroachments that have plagued the waterway for years. The minister was accompanied by senior officials from the state environment and public works departments.

The visit comes amid heightened public concern over the river's deteriorating condition, with residents and environmental activists repeatedly calling for stronger action to restore the once-major water body. The inspection covered stretches where illegal dumping and sewage discharge have been reported.

Focus on pollution and encroachments

During the inspection, Minister Anand reviewed the current state of the riverbanks, noting the presence of solid waste and construction debris in several spots. Officials on the ground pointed to specific encroachments that have narrowed the river's flow, which they said could worsen flooding during the northeast monsoon.

The minister directed local authorities to expedite the removal of encroachments and to step up monitoring of industrial and domestic waste entering the river. He also asked for a detailed report on the sources of pollution along the inspected stretches.

Desilting and restoration works reviewed

Officials briefed the minister on the progress of desilting operations, which have been underway in parts of the river since last year. The work, they said, is aimed at improving water flow and reducing the risk of inundation in low-lying neighbourhoods during heavy rains.

Minister Anand also reviewed the status of sewage treatment plants and the functioning of stormwater drains that feed into the Adyar. He stressed the need for coordinated action between the Chennai Corporation, the water board, and the public works department.

Public concerns and next steps

Residents living along the river have long complained about the foul smell and the spread of waterborne diseases, especially during the summer months. Activists have urged the government to not just clean the river but also restore its natural floodplains, which have been occupied by unauthorised structures.

The minister's inspection is seen as a preparatory step ahead of the monsoon season, with officials indicating that a comprehensive action plan will be finalised in the coming weeks. They said the plan would include short-term measures such as intensified garbage collection and long-term projects like the construction of new treatment facilities.

Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the completion of the restoration works, but the minister's office indicated that a follow-up review meeting would be held soon.

As the Adyar river remains a critical artery for Chennai's drainage and ecology, the coming months will show whether the latest inspection translates into tangible action on the ground.