Water Resources Department launches special desilting drive along Chennai waterways
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has launched a desilting drive across Chennai's major waterways to improve drainage ahead of the monsoon season. The project involves collaboration with NGOs and corporate social responsibility initiatives to clear waste and invasive vegetation.
Why it matters
Proactive infrastructure maintenance is essential for flood mitigation in urban areas prone to heavy monsoon rainfall.
The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) inaugurated a special desilting drive across various stretches of the Chennai’s waterways on Monday (July 27, 2026), in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as part of its monsoon preparedness activities.
Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand launched the three-day special drive with inspection of works along the Cooum river near Koyambedu. The drive, which would be carried out with the support of NGOs and as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, would help improve the carrying capacity of the waterways and mitigate flood risks in and around the city.
Mr. Anand instructed the officials to complete the works ahead of the Northeast monsoon. The special drive would be executed in multiple locations, including the Adyar river near Manapakkam, the Buckingham canal near Sholinganallur, and the Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes.
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