The Water Resources Department (WRD) is working diligently to clean waterways in and around Chennai ahead of the northeast monsoon, aiming to complete nearly 30% of the work already. The annual cleaning exercise, which began this month, encompasses waterbodies in Porur and Red Hills, Chennai, peripheral areas, and Cuddalore district, costing ₹20 crore.
With 77 ongoing works across 184.45 km of channels in Chennai and neighboring districts, the WRD is focusing on removing aquatic weeds from portions of the Cooum and Adyar rivers, enhancing floodwater flow. The department is utilizing nearly 137 machines for efficient cleaning amid monsoon variations.
The removed vegetation and waste are being transported to the Kodungaiyur dump yard, and suggestions have arisen to convert the cleared vegetation into manure. Local residents are urging more frequent cleaning operations to prevent trash accumulation in the waterways.