1 month ago
Chennai's Great Salt Lake Faces Ecological Threat
The Great Salt Lake, also known as Kovalam-Nemmeli backwaters, is a large coastal wetland in Chennai.
The Tamil Nadu government wants to turn it into a big water reservoir called the Mamallan reservoir to supply more drinking water to the city.
However, many people who live nearby and care about nature are worried.
They say the wetland is very important for birds, fish, and the local way of life.
The government says the reservoir will help with water needs, but others argue it could harm the environment and the people who depend on the wetland.
There are also concerns about how the project might affect flooding and the local ecosystem.
The debate continues as the project moves forward.
The Great Salt Lake in Chennai is being converted into the Mamallan reservoir to supply 170 MLD of drinking water.
The wetland is a critical habitat for migratory birds and supports local fishing communities.
Fishing communities and ecologists oppose the project, citing potential ecological damage and loss of livelihoods.
The environmental impact assessment has been criticized for not adequately addressing ecological concerns and potential flooding issues.
The government plans to compensate affected fishers and provide continued access to the wetland.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu government, fishing communities, ecologists, hydrologists, ornithologists
- What
- Conversion of the Great Salt Lake into the Mamallan reservoir
- Where
- Nemmeli and Kovalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- When
- Project started on January 19, 2026
- Why
- To address Chennai's growing water demand and provide a new source of drinking water
Pro-Reservoir
Pro-Wetland
Purpose of the Project
Pro-Reservoir
The Mamallan reservoir aims to supply 170 MLD of drinking water to Chennai, addressing the city's growing water demand.
Pro-Wetland
The Great Salt Lake is a critical coastal wetland that supports local livelihoods, biodiversity, and acts as a flood buffer.
Environmental Impact
Pro-Reservoir
The reservoir project includes measures like removing bunds and installing peripheral drains to address flooding issues.
Pro-Wetland
The project could irreversibly damage the wetland's unique ecology, affecting migratory birds and local fisheries.
Livelihoods and Communities
Pro-Reservoir
The government plans to compensate affected fishers and provide ID cards for continued access to the wetland.
Pro-Wetland
The wetland supports thousands of people in nearby villages who depend on it for their daily income and livelihoods.
Key facts
- Location
- Nemmeli and Kovalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Size of the Wetland
- 5,000 acres
- Project Name
- Mamallan Reservoir
- Water Supply Capacity
- 170 MLD
- Storage Capacity
- 1.65 TMC (single filling), 2.25 TMC (annual)
- Bird Species Recorded
- 102
- Important Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Area
- One of 107 nationally
- Project Start Date
- January 19, 2026
Quotes
Deepak Venkatachalam
Founder of environmental NGO Suzhal Arivom
“"If there is so much risk for salinity intrusion, what’s the point of creating a freshwater reservoir here?" asked Deepak Venkatachalam. "Water moves as per the gradient. It remembers its ways."”
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“"The biggest conflict is between what’s written in a document and the ecological reality. There is no precedent of a reservoir by a coastal wetland," he said.”
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Sources
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