Chennai - Waterways Cleaning and Restoration Project Updates

[darkprinz]

Even after cleaning the coovum .. many ppl will not be able to imagine using it .. so better govt should encourage planned infrastructure along its banks like big office buildings.. planning new roads and bridges over it ... allow transportation through it ... this will make the place more open to public .. in my 20 years [i havenot seen anywhere in anyform]coovum except for the current bridge intersections ...They should start developing roads along the banks of coovum...

[venkatm]

No roads or elevated highways please... only beautiful trees along the banks

[darkprinz]

^ what i meant is little development[regulated] will help it be secure .. an isolated river have every possible threat .. to become garbage again ...

[satchitananda]

Originally Posted by darkprinz

^ what i meant is little development[regulated] will help it be secure .. an isolated river have every possible threat .. to become garbage again ...

Regulated development is fine. But hardly regulations and reality match in Chennai.

If you really account for all the development that has already taken place, eating up the needed breathing space for the river to meander, we are already in the negative. Take a snapshot from 20 years ago to what is and was behind Nelson Manickam road. There is great development, but there is no bank. Also, if you take the Buckingham for another example, all the banks have been taken over by MRTS, literally nailing the last nail on the coffin over the Canal which had degraded to an open sewer.

What is needed is an integrated plan for the entire river basin, if possible for all the river basins in the greater Metro area with due imporance to all the water bodies and their catchment areas.

Few years ago, when we had record rains, remember what happened, water took over what was its due place. Being in harmony with the elements brings more progress than just fighting it. If we can come with such a plan, it will automatically boost the falling ground water levels.

[kannan infratech]

FICCI has recently submitted a Reco Paper to TN Govt for using Coastal Water Corridor - along the coast of Chennai from Ennore to Mahabs (Sea Water Highway earmarked with Buoys and beacons) to ease the traffic and give better connectivity between Northern and Southern suburbs. (Kerala has many such Seawater Highways)

There is no major cost involved compared to the Elevated Coastal Highway. Huge Barges can be used to transport Containers from the ports to Lorry Yards beyond Mahabs. In one barge, quite a few containers can be transported. Huge saving in fuel cost as you need very little power to drag the barges.

Even Passenger Traffic will be much cheaper. In Mumbai, travel between the Greater Mumbai and the island across the sea is a major tourist attraction. We can have regular services to Pondy from Chennai. Even to Cuddalore, Nagapttinam, Karaikal, Kodiakkarai, Rameswaram, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari.

[Leo_r]

But, Bay of Bengal is a violent sea close to the coast. Again, Customs may not permit such 'lightening' operations.

[arun82]

Originally Posted by kannan infratech

FICCI has recently submitted a Reco Paper to TN Govt for using Coastal Water Corridor - along the coast of Chennai from Ennore to Mahabs (Sea Water Highway earmarked with Buoys and beacons) to ease the traffic and give better connectivity between Northern and Southern suburbs. (Kerala has many such Seawater Highways)

There is no major cost involved compared to the Elevated Coastal Highway. Huge Barges can be used to transport Containers from the ports to Lorry Yards beyond Mahabs. In one barge, quite a few containers can be transported. Huge saving in fuel cost as you need very little power to drag the barges.

Even Passenger Traffic will be much cheaper. In Mumbai, travel between the Greater Mumbai and the island across the sea is a major tourist attraction. We can have regular services to Pondy from Chennai. Even to Cuddalore, Nagapttinam, Karaikal, Kodiakkarai, Rameswaram, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari.

Is it somewhat similar to the image i posted in this thread

[ramvaradan]

Originally Posted by satchitananda

Regulated development is fine. But hardly regulations and reality match in Chennai.

If you really account for all the development that has already taken place, eating up the needed breathing space for the river to meander, we are already in the negative. Take a snapshot from 20 years ago to what is and was behind Nelson Manickam road. There is great development, but there is no bank. Also, if you take the Buckingham for another example, all the banks have been taken over by MRTS, literally nailing the last nail on the coffin over the Canal which had degraded to an open sewer.

What is needed is an integrated plan for the entire river basin, if possible for all the river basins in the greater Metro area with due imporance to all the water bodies and their catchment areas.

Few years ago, when we had record rains, remember what happened, water took over what was its due place. Being in harmony with the elements brings more progress than just fighting it. If we can come with such a plan, it will automatically boost the falling ground water levels.

Leaving the banks of the Coovum unguarded and undeveloped leaves it prone to many unpleasant activities, encroachment etc. I'd like kind of regular buzz around so there is some vigilance surrounding it. My preference is that there be some least intrusive structures such as bike trail, river walks, boardwalks, boat-rides, kids' play area etc. And, sanitation facilities such as pay-per-use toilets are must.

[Arul Murugan]

2nd phase of Koovam cleaning to start soon - DCM Stalin



DKN

[kannan infratech]

Originally Posted by Leo_r

But, Bay of Bengal is a violent sea close to the coast. Again, Customs may not permit such 'lightening' operations.

In Mumbai and Kochi, similar things are in operation for long. Coast Guard can easily tackle the smuggling issues.

Hovercrafts are powerful vehicles and can be used in rough conditions also.

[sridhar_n]

Originally Posted by Arul Murugan

2nd phase of Koovam cleaning to start soon - DCM Stalin



DKN

What was taken up in the Phase I? They are claiming that works under Phase I have been completed and they are now going to take up Phase II. The article also says that they are uncertain about how many years it would take to clean coovum.

[ChennaiIndian]

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/18/stor...1860110300.htm

Singapore officials make presentation on four pilot projects



CHENNAI: A team of officials from the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) on Thursday made a presentation on four pilot projects identified to restore the Cooum River.

The team comprising officials from SCE, Public Utilities Board of Singapore, and CH2M HILL, a Singapore-based company, presented their proposals to the government, at a meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin here.

Speaking to The Hindu about the projects, Vinod Singh, Director of CH2M HILL, said continuous and strategic dredging of the river, which would allow tidal movement and help in diluting pollutants, was one of the projects identified.

The fountain system at the Napier Bridge, which would also help in water circulation, would be revived.

A stretch of the river beyond the tidal reach would be taken up for testing the potential bio-engineering solutions that could be applied to the entire river based on the success.

Another significant project is setting up of ‘visitor's centre,' to educate people on the importance of river restoration, he said.

The team is in discussion with the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) about the projects that have to be prioritised, the time frame, cost factor and the benefits, he added.

Rajiv Dixit, General Manager, Industry Development Department, Public Utilities Board, said these pilot projects would be implemented simultaneously along with the preparation of the master plan in the next 12 to 18 months.

...

[Leo_r]

Originally Posted by sridhar_n

What was taken up in the Phase I? They are claiming that works under Phase I have been completed and they are now going to take up Phase II. The article also says that they are uncertain about how many years it would take to clean coovum.

They are talking about 'Preparation of Reports 'only. Not about field work.

I would be enlightened if someone could plough back on old records finding out,

a)Condition of the River mouth near Napier Bridge on sand accumulation and Sea water flow back into the River(quantity and distance)

b)The same before/after Construction of Anna and MGR Samadhis.

There are reports saying that Marina developed as one of longest beaches because of the Port (Sand Accumulation and Sea receding).

Since Sea water in Muttakadu backwaters extends upto 5-10 KM (?), I guess Coovam and Adayar also should have been like that and sand build up near Napier Bridge preventing natural flow was man made.

Will removing those Samadhis could sove this problem a little or Continuous Dredging is the only solution to flush the River?

[kannan infratech]

Originally Posted by Leo_r

They are talking about 'Preparation of Reports 'only. Not about field work.

I would be enlightened if someone could plough back on old records finding out,

a)Condition of the River mouth near Napier Bridge on sand accumulation and Sea water flow back into the River(quantity and distance)

b)The same before/after Construction of Anna and MGR Samadhis.

There are reports saying that Marina developed as one of longest beaches because of the Port (Sand Accumulation and Sea receding).

Since Sea water in Muttakadu backwaters extends upto 5-10 KM (?), I guess Coovam and Adayar also should have been like that and sand build up near Napier Bridge preventing natural flow was man made.

Will removing those Samadhis could sove this problem a little or Continuous Dredging is the only solution to flush the River?

After Madras Port was built, sand accumulation became intense and add more sandy beach for Marina.

After Ennore Port, Royapuram and nearby areas have been eroded by sea. Some of the factories with whom I did business ( in 80s ) with were located east of the coastal road north of Royapuram upto Ashok Leyland. They have beeen cobbled up by the sea and the sea almost touches the Ennore Road now.

Cooum River Mouth and Adyar River Mouth - Both are affected by sand silting and rubbish accumulation (Eddys and Currents created by the port walls seem to be the culprits)

Topography of Chennai is also such that most part is at MSL or below. Draining is a major issue. The English dug the B Canal for both transportation (from Vijayawada to Cuddalore) and drainage of rain / flood water into the sea (at Muttukkadu and Palar River Mouth).

We have been raping our waterways and water bodies without any forethought and Pre Planning. Our future Generation may have a different sized Chennai with perennial flooding problems and water scarcity.

[satchitananda]

SOURCE: http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/work-to-plug-cooum-outfalls-to-begin-soon/184117.html

Within the next few weeks, the Chennai River Restoration Trust (CRRT) intends to begin work on plugging those outfalls into the Cooum that do not require clearing encroachments, according to CRRT secretary K Phanindra Reddy. Over 50 per cent of the outfalls into the river do not need eviction of encroachments.


"We embarked upon a joint inspection with other departments, including Metro Water, to identify the outfalls. We have identified some that were not traceable under the Chennai City River Conservation Project (CCRCP). Currently, there are 634 outfalls of which 344 can be plugged without removing encroachments," Reddy told Express.

He described the CCRCP project as a partial success as the sewage treatment capacity had doubled with the growth of the city.

Talking about the visit of the delegation from Singapore Cooperation Enterprises, he said: "The offer of the service was discussed and the delegation wanted to consult sister organisations. They will quote the fee later."The discussions focused on preparation of the masterplan, the study for which will begin from SeptemberOctober, he said. He was noncommittal on the project span, but said within five to six years, there would be some change in the Cooum.
"We have to secure the banks that are vacant and put them to public use so that they are not encroached upon. Already the 1 km stretch of Langs Garden as well as Sivananda Salai has been handed over to Chennai Corporation and put to public use," he added.

Asked whether the government was sincere about reviving the river, he said it had been accorded top priority and was being monitored by the chief secretary and highlevel officials.

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Nallakalam porakkuthu Nallakalam porakkuthu Jakkamma Solra Ivanga Solratha senja Nallakalam porakkuthu Jai Kali..

[arun82]

The recently openned Skyway ampa mall sits right on the edge of the Cooum. If you notice near arumbakkam it is very wide and it nearly becomes a gutter near Ampa mall..IS ampa mall an encroachment on the cooum banks cos there is also big building after the Cooum and one big chruch or prayer hall not sure in the left hand side of the PH road

[ChennaiIndian]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...icle537137.ece

The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board is planning to make a biometric identification of all those who have encroached upon the banks of rivers and waterways in Chennai.

The exercise is aimed at effectively managing the task of enumeration and relocation of such persons as part of the project to clean the rivers by the Chennai River Restoration Trust (CRRT).

Around 40,000 such families living along various water bodies in Chennai and the suburbs would require rehabilitation, said a Board official.

Many beneficiaries who have been identified are suspected to have registered their name in more than one area, the official said. Biometric identification would help in identify those people and ensure that the benefits reached only those in need of rehabilitation.

...

[naveen vinu]

can any one update adyar park snaps guys............waiting for the park which is gonna change chennai..............

[satchitananda]

SOURCE: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/cooum-against-sewage-spewing-outfalls-072

If images of a clean and picturesque Cooum river — in reality a stinking cesspool — in the movie Madarasapattinam took Chennaites on a trip down memory lane, then citizens will be ecstatic if the ambitious Rs 1,200 crore Cooum beautification project really bears fruit as people in other parts of TN generally associate Chennai with the stink emanating from the polluted river.

But will the project materialise and add a jewel to the DMK’s crown? Will the 18-km stretch (within the city) of the 72-km-long seasonal river become clean and turn the state capital into Singara Chennai? That remains to be seen.

The answer lies largely in plugging the ‘outfalls’ (open drains) that pour sewage into the river, say experts. According to an outfall inspection conducted by Wardrop Engineering Inc for the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) in 1995, the Cooum river had 128 outfalls in Chennai metropolitan area (CMA) and 116 in the city. A similar study undertaken by an engineering team of the state PWD, TNPCB, CMDA, Chennai Metro Water and Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu in 2005 revealed that the outfalls had increased to 139 in CMA and 125 in the city.

Environmental Water Pollution and its Control, a one-volume scientific discussion of water pollution and its adverse effects on man and the environment, compiled by experts from Japan, Canada and India states: “River Cooum flowing through Madras has been polluted by sewage so much that not even zooplanktons have been able to thrive in it.”

The study also reveals that one litre of Cooum water contained 900 mg of iron, 275 mg of lead, 1,313 mg of nickel and 32 mg of Zinc as early as the mid-1980s. This scenario has only worsened owing to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. Managing director of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Shivdas Meena says there are about 178 outfalls in Chennai as of date and action is required on the part of CMWSSB on 105 outfalls. Of the 105, about eight have already been plugged and steps have been taken to plug 20 more outfalls at an estimated cost of Rs 12.61 crore, he adds.

The detailed project report (DPR) for the remaining 77 outfalls will be ready by mid-September, Mr Meena says, explaining that some are mid-term projects, while others will be completed by two years. Funds will be mobilised for the works from the Chennai City River Conservation Project and the state government.

Allaying fears about the outfall control work deterring the Cooum beautification, Mr Meena says the two projects will run parallel to each other. In order to arrest sewage discharge into the Cooum in rural areas like Nerkundram, Nolambur and Vanagaram, CMWSSB had prepared a DPR for developing sewerage facilities there, he says, elaborating that the board is focusing on tracing the sources of outfalls and plugging them.

Meanwhile, experts say that the government should also focus on preventing individuals and institutions from discharging sewage into Cooum. Overexploitation of surface and groundwater upstream, which reduces the flow in the river, encroachment of the riverbank and formation of sand bars at the river mouth near Napier Bridge are among a host of other factors that contribute to spoiling the Cooum and Chennai itself, experts add.

Nearly a 7-km stretch along the Cooum bank has been encroached upon by around 9,000 families in the city limits. Incidentally, deputy chief minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday inaugurated two parks developed on the Cooum bank where slums existed till a few months back.

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For years, the same news about sewer outfalls. Its either big establishments or even government itself that is the culprit. What we need is a comprehensive approach. Proper network of storm water drainage is a crying need. (besides sewer). Upgrade of the sewer treatment plants must happen in tandem with any cleaning effort. What is heartening is the increasing awareness on the need to clean this waterway.

[ChennaiIndian]

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chenn...ars-stalin-718

Aug. 4: About 1,200 automobile spare parts shops and small-scale industries that had encroached the Cooum river bank along Chintadripet and Pudupet in central Chennai will be shifted to Singaperumal Koil in Kancheepuram district under the Cooum River Restoration project, deputy chief minister M. K. Stalin told reporters on Wednesday.

Inaugurating two parks constructed by the city corporation at a cost of Rs 2.21 crore along the bank of Cooum river opposite Chintadripet, he said the Rs 1,200 crore river restoration project will be completed in six years.

The public encroaching the river bank will be shifted and rehabilitated by the government, he added. The state government has already shifted 1,028 families, which were encroaching the Cooum, to residential colonies in Okkiyam Thoraipakkam.

In the next two years, all the encroachments and settlements along the Cooum will be removed and the scientific restoration will be completed in a phased manner on the lines of Singapore river restoration programme. In Singapore, the project took 10 years for completion.

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