Chennai’s Cooum River Faces Flood Threat Due to Elevated Corridor Project Debris

As the Northeast monsoon approaches, residents in Chennai are growing increasingly concerned over the Cooum River’s ability to handle the heavy rains. The river, which flows through neighborhoods such as Egmore, Nungambakkam, Anna Nagar, and Koyambedu, has narrowed significantly due to debris dumped from the Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor Project. Locals fear that the reduced river width has heightened the risk of flooding this year.

According to engineers and councillors, the river’s width has shrunk to approximately 30 meters, far below the minimum 70 meters required to safely channel monsoon waters. This constriction could cause severe flooding in case of heavy rainfall or a cloudburst, potentially releasing up to 25,000 cusecs of water. Residents have reported that while some earthen mounds created for constructing 900 pillars were cleared as part of monsoon preparedness, large quantities of debris remain in the riverbed. In some areas, the debris has been used to form bunds measuring up to 10 meters, further obstructing the natural flow of the river.

Local leaders, including Ward 61 Councillor Fatima Muzaffer, have urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Water Resources Department (WRD) to conduct a joint inspection and remove these obstructions before the rains arrive. Residents stressed that stormwater drains at the river’s outfall points also need to be checked to prevent sewage overflow and road flooding, issues that affected several areas during the previous monsoon.

With the monsoon imminent, urgent action is needed to safeguard thousands of residents in the river’s tidal stretch. Failure to remove debris and ensure proper drainage could lead to widespread flooding, disrupting daily life and causing property damage. The situation highlights the delicate balance required between infrastructure development and environmental protection. As Chennai continues to expand, it is essential that urban planning integrates sustainable practices to protect rivers like Cooum, safeguard communities, and minimize the risks posed by climate change.