Chennai, Sept 23:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) being prepared for the restoration of the Cooum river and development works along its course in Chennai.
At a review meeting held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister examined the progress of the DPR and discussed various facilities proposed as part of the restoration project. He also reviewed the proposed process for inviting global tenders to bring in international technical expertise and standards for the project.
As an initial step, the government has undertaken a study to prepare a concept plan and an action plan for a three-kilometre stretch of the Cooum. The proposed development includes walkways, cycle tracks, viewing decks, green spaces and measures aimed at improving the environmental condition of the river.
Mr. Vijay directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to implement the restoration project in multiple phases. The project, he said, should adopt an integrated and sustainable approach rather than treating the river restoration and surrounding development as separate activities.
The review assumes significance as the restoration of the Cooum and Adyar rivers is one of the major commitments made by the TVK-led government in its maiden Budget. The government has proposed transforming the two rivers into prominent landmarks of Chennai, drawing comparisons with riverfront redevelopment projects such as Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon and Singapore’s Kallang.
Finance Minister N. Maria Wilson had announced in the Budget that global tenders would be invited and detailed feasibility studies and project reports prepared for the river restoration initiatives. The long-term objective includes cleaning up the waterways sufficiently to facilitate recreational activities such as boat rides.
The Water Resources Department is also planning to involve local communities and non-governmental organisations in the rejuvenation of the Cooum. The move is aimed at ensuring wider participation in maintaining and improving the river after restoration works are taken up.
The Cooum has remained one of Chennai’s most persistent environmental challenges, with pollution and untreated sewage affecting its water quality over several decades. Successive governments since the 1960s have launched various schemes to restore the river, involving multiple government departments and agencies.
The latest initiative also comes against the backdrop of the city’s monsoon preparedness. The State government has recently launched a special desilting drive along the Cooum as part of measures to reduce the risk of flooding in Chennai and surrounding areas.
Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, M.A. Siddique, and senior officials attended Tuesday’s review meeting.
The government is now expected to take forward the DPR preparation, technical studies and tendering process before moving towards implementation of the larger restoration and development programme in phases.