Chennai’s water infrastructure, a team from the Water Resources Department (WRD) conducted an extensive review of various ongoing projects in the city on Wednesday.
The inspection focused on two major initiatives: the restoration of Retteri Lake into a viable drinking water source and the reconstruction of the Thanikachalam drain, both critical for augmenting the city’s water supply and mitigating flooding in Kolathur and surrounding areas. Officials reported that approximately 30% of the work on both projects has been completed to date. The efforts to restore Retteri Lake aim to bolster Chennai’s water supply by transforming it into a dependable source of potable water. Concurrently, the Thanikachalam drain’s reconstruction is expected to significantly reduce the perennial flooding issues plaguing local communities around Retteri.
The WRD team comprised Sandeep Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department; C. Asokan, Engineer-in-Chief (in-charge); and A. Kannan, Superintending Engineer, Palar Circle. Their assessment included a detailed review of the current progress and future timelines. The department has set an ambitious target to complete both projects by August, reflecting the urgency and importance of these developments for the city’s infrastructure.
Sandeep Saxena emphasised the strategic significance of these projects in addressing Chennai’s water management challenges. He highlighted that the timely completion of the Retteri Lake restoration and Thanikachalam drain reconstruction would play a pivotal role in enhancing water security and flood resilience for the city.
This inspection underscores the WRD’s commitment to advancing Chennai’s water resources through meticulous planning and execution. As the city grapples with recurring water supply issues and seasonal flooding, these projects represent a crucial step towards sustainable water management solutions. The WRD’s initiative-taking approach is expected to yield long-term benefits for Chennai’s residents, ensuring a more reliable and resilient urban water infrastructure.
