For desilting the water bodies in Chennai city, WRD or Water Resources Department has submitted proposals to the Tamil Nadu or TN government. If things go as per the plans, then WRD would be desilting 2crore cubic metres of silt from the water bodies in the city. From this work, a revenue of Rs 100 crores would be generated by WRD.
Now only in the Poondi reservoir, desilting works are being done.This was mentioned by a senior official belonging to WRD. He hinted that desilting work would start in other waterbodies too once the funds get allotted to them.
In 2002, when the Poondi reservoir attained its full capacity during the North East or NE monsoon season, the desilting works were stopped there by WRD.This Poondi reservoir is one of the primary reservoirs is known. The work was resumed by WRD and 10000 cubic metres of silt has been desilted.
In the last 7 decades, the water storage capacity of Poondi reservoir has reduced from its original capacity of 3231 tmcft. This reservoir was constructed in the year 1944 is well known. To carry out desilting work here, heavy machinery has been used. This was as per the official from WRD. Information collected is that the revenue that would be generated form the sales of sand would be used to maintain and improve Chennai water infrastructure.
There are 6 water reservoirs in Chennai such as Chembarambakkam, Redhills, Sholavaram, Poondi, Veeranam and Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai etc. The total water storage capacity is 13.2 tmcft.