Chennai is set to witness a major transformation in its water security system as the government initiates a large scale plan to address the city’s increasing water demands and flood-related challenges. With official approval, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has launched a strategy to improve water availability, expand storage capacity, and build a climate resilient infrastructure. Given the city’s history of alternating between severe droughts and devastating floods, the initiative is expected to bring long term solutions to these recurring problems.The comprehensive water security plan includes 704 projects aimed at decentralising the water supply system and increasing groundwater recharge while reducing the impact of climate change. Studies indicate that by 2050, Chennai and its surrounding regions will require approximately 22.52 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of freshwater annually.
Currently, the city’s primary reservoirs, including the Veeranam tank, have a storage capacity of just 13.2 tmcft. To bridge this gap, authorities plan to create an additional 20.50 tmcft of water storage by constructing new reservoirs and upgrading existing water bodies.A key project under this initiative is the development of a sixth reservoir along East Coast Road (ECR) and Rajiv Gandhi Salai in Chengalpattu district. This new reservoir, situated between Kelambakkam and Mamallapuram, will have a one-time storage capacity of 1.7 tmcft and an annual storage of 2.25 tmcft. Once completed, it is expected to supply 170 million litres of drinking water per day to growing urban areas such as Sholinganallur, Navalur, and Siruseri. The ₹350 crore project is a crucial step in ensuring a reliable water supply for these rapidly expanding localities.Beyond the construction of new reservoirs, authorities are focusing on enhancing existing water storage structures and adopting sustainable water conservation methods. Around 350 lakes and tanks in areas such as Sriperumbudur, Pillaipakkam, Manimangalam, Thayur, and Manamathi will be transformed into reservoirs with improved storage capacities. Additionally, barrages will be constructed across the Palar River to create riverine reservoirs, while clusters of abandoned quarries will be repurposed for water storage. Authorities are also exploring the feasibility of linking the Araniar and Kosasthalaiyar rivers to divert and manage floodwaters more effectively.
Efforts to improve groundwater recharge will also play a major role in the city’s water security plan. Around 300 recharge structures, including infiltration ponds, percolation wells, and recharge wells, will be developed along the coastal belt from Pazhaverkadu to the Palar River basin. These measures are expected to restore depleted groundwater levels and ensure a steady supply of fresh water, especially during drought conditions. Additionally, authorities will focus on restoring supply channels and reconnecting missing links between water bodies to enhance water flow and reduce wastage. Key projects include re-establishing links between Nanmangalam and Keelkattalai, Manimangalam and Nandivaram, and integrating them into the Adyar River system.The overall cost of implementing this large-scale initiative is estimated at ₹22,004 crore, with financial assistance expected from multiple sources, including the World Bank. The projects will be executed in phases over the next decade, with a combination of short-term and long-term goals to ensure systematic progress. Given the scale of investment and its potential impact, officials believe that this initiative will play a critical role in making Chennai more resilient to water crises.This ambitious plan arrives at a crucial time as Chennai continues to struggle with the consequences of climate change and rapid urbanisation. With the city’s population growing steadily, the need for a reliable and sustainable water supply system has become more urgent than ever.
By implementing forward-thinking water management strategies, the initiative aims to secure a future where residents no longer have to face severe water shortages or catastrophic flooding.If successfully executed, the water security plan could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges, reinforcing the importance of sustainable water management in building climate-resilient urban centres. Through a combination of infrastructure development, conservation efforts, and advanced technology, Chennai’s water security transformation aims to create a sustainable and water-secure future for generations to come.
