Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Tamil Nadu Minister Launches Pre-Monsoon Desilting Works
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N Anand started important cleaning work on the Cooum River and Okkiyam Maduvu.
This work is to make sure that when it rains a lot during the monsoon, the water can flow freely and not cause flooding in nearby areas.
The Cooum River is 72 km long and goes through many parts of Chennai.
The cleaning will remove plants and trash that block the water.
The Okkiyam Maduvu is a 2.65 km channel that helps drain water from many lakes into the sea.
The minister wants this work to be done quickly before the monsoon season starts.
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N Anand launched desilting and restoration works on the Cooum River and Okkiyam Maduvu.
The initiative aims to prevent urban flooding by ensuring smooth water flow during the monsoon season.
The Cooum River traverses 72 km through densely urbanized areas of Chennai.
Okkiyam Maduvu, a 2.65 km channel, drains floodwaters from Pallikaranai and upstream lakes into the Bay of Bengal.
The desilting work is being jointly executed by the state Water Resources Department and NGOs.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N Anand
- What
- Launched desilting and restoration works along the Cooum River and Okkiyam Maduvu
- When
- July 27
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To ensure unhindered flow of floodwaters ahead of the monsoon season
Government Perspective
Environmental Concerns
Desilting Necessity
Government Perspective
Desilting is crucial for preventing urban flooding and ensuring smooth water flow during the monsoon season.
Environmental Concerns
Desilting can disrupt local ecosystems and aquatic life, requiring careful environmental impact assessment.
- Minister
- N Anand
- Chief Minister
- C Joseph Vijay
- River Length
- 72 km
- Urban Areas Traversed
- Thiruverkadu, Koyambedu, Aminjikarai, Choolaimedu, Chetpet, Egmore, Chinthadripet
- Okkiyam Maduvu Length
- 2.65 km
- Flood Discharge Capacity
- 12,000 cusecs
- Attendees
- Government Chief Whip R Sabarinathan, MLAs P Revanth Charan, K Balamurugan, M Arul Prakasam, P Saravanan, Senior Officials