Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Chennai Chief Minister Reviews Phased Cooum River Restoration Plan
Chennai is preparing a plan to improve the Cooum river.
The Chief Minister reviewed this plan with government officials.
The first part of the project may cover about three kilometres.
That area could get walking paths, cycling paths, gardens and viewing decks.
Some spaces may also be used by local communities.
Officials are considering ways to improve nature around the river.
The project is planned in several phases instead of being built all at once.
Global experts may be invited to help prepare and carry out the plan.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay reviewed preparation of a detailed project report for restoring the Cooum river.
The government is examining an initial 3-km stretch for riverfront amenities, green spaces and a demonstration project.
Proposed facilities include pedestrian and cycling paths, walkways, viewing decks and community-use spaces.
Officials are considering nature-based measures and a phased, integrated approach to river restoration.
The government plans to invite global tenders for international technical expertise and standards.
- Who
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and officials from municipal administration, finance, water resources and the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust.
- What
- A detailed project report is being prepared for a phased Cooum river restoration programme.
- When
- The review meeting was held on Tuesday, following the state budget announcement for 2026-27.
- Where
- At the Secretariat in Chennai, with an initial 3-km river stretch under examination.
- Why
- To improve the river environment and create sustainable public spaces while addressing long-standing restoration needs.
- Project
- Cooum river restoration programme
- Initial stretch
- 3 kilometres
- Planned amenities
- Pedestrian and cycling paths, riverfront walkways, viewing decks, green spaces and community-use facilities
- Implementation
- Multiple phases
- Technical support
- Global tenders may be invited for international expertise and standards
- Project document
- Detailed project report examining facilities, restoration measures and future implementation stages
- Long-standing challenges
- Sewage inflows, solid waste, encroachments and changes to the river’s natural flow