Tamil Nadu Budget 2026 promises fresh push for Cooum, Adyar rivers restoration in Chennai
The new Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to restore the Cooum and Adyar rivers in Chennai, drawing inspiration from international urban river projects. The budget also includes a long-term circular pipeline project to ensure equitable water distribution across the Chennai Metropolitan Area by 2030-31.
Why it matters
These infrastructure projects are critical for Chennai's urban sustainability, flood management, and long-term water security in a rapidly growing metropolitan region.
For Chennai, no State budget seems complete without allocation for the city’s rivers restoration. The maiden budget of the TVK-led government also promises restoration of the Cooum and the Adyar rivers.
Presenting the budget in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday, Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson said the government would strive with the “utmost resolve to restore the Cooum and the Adyar to their natural state.”
Drawing parallels with Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon and Singapore’s Kallang, he said the government would invite global tenders and prepare detailed feasibility and project reports to transform both the rivers into Chennai’s defining landmarks. He outlined an ambitious goal of making the rivers clean for boat rides.
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