The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma. Subramanian, on Oct.23, inspected the Adyar Estuary mouth in Urur Kuppam, Besant Nagar (Ward 174), to review measures ensuring the free flow of rainwater ahead of the Northeast Monsoon.
Focus on Water Storage and Adyar River Capacity
The Minister noted that while Chennai’s six main reservoirs—Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chembarambakkam, Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai, and Veeranam—have a combined capacity of 13,222 Million Cubic Feet (MCFT), they currently hold 10,028 MCFT, with most nearing full capacity.
Specifically addressing the Chembarambakkam Reservoir (25.51 sq. km), the Minister stated that due to high water levels (currently 21.27 feet against a maximum of 24 feet), surplus water is being gradually released into the Adyar River. This release has been progressively increased: from 100 cusecs on Oct.22 morning to 500 cusecs Oct.22 afternoon, and currently standing at 750 cusecs on Oct.23 morning.
Adyar River Widening and Flood Protection
The Minister asserted that the Adyar River’s capacity has been significantly increased from 25,000 cusecs to 40,000 cusecs, which was achieved through land acquisition, widening, and deepening the river course, ensuring that even a discharge of 40,000 cusecs would not flood residential areas.
The current focus at the Adyar estuary is on widening the mouth, which was previously only 150 meters wide, to 250 meters using three excavators. These machines will work until the monsoon concludes.
Civic Infrastructure and Future Plans
The Minister cited that despite receiving a cumulative average rainfall of 16.93 cm in Chennai, none of the city’s 22 subways were inundated, ensuring zero disruption to traffic—a sharp contrast to previous regimes where minor rainfall caused street flooding for days.
Regarding flood protection, the Minister addressed the recent collapse of an old flood protection wall in Sarathi Nagar (Saidapet). Public Works Department officials promptly responded, stabilising the area with 1,500 sandbags, with plans to add 1,000 more.
Finally, the Minister detailed a large-scale project worth ₹1,500 crore to beautify and fortify the Adyar River banks up to Saidapet, transforming the area into a tourist attraction. This plan includes the construction of 1,701 alternate dwelling units in Naginagar-Retty Thottam for residents requiring relocation (such as those in Dhidheer Nagar and Mothi Ammal Nagar), ensuring community safety without affecting existing settlements like Mallika Poo Nagar.
