Possibility of revival of ferry service etc in Chennai - Cooum River restoration to be carried out by both GCC and WRD!!
Don`t be surprised if you witness ferry transportation in Chennai in the future!!
Greater Chennai Corporation or GCC and Water Resources Dept or WRD would take up the restoration works of Cooum River on a small stretch soon as pilot proceedings. The aim of this restoration works would be to provide a new lease of life for the popular Cooum River. It is known that Cooum River traverses for a distance of 20km inside the Chennai limits.
Information is that the restoration work would involve plugging of sewage, cleaning bunds, installation of garbage interceptor barriers etc. It is said that GCC would showcase the Cooum River restoration works to the international funding agencies.
On Friday, Chennai Mayor Priya made her presence felt at the Napier Bridge and on Sivanandha Salai along the river. She was accompanied by American diplomats. It must be recalled that recently Chennai Mayor Priya went to San Antonia in Texas in the USA and there she witnessed a river with facilities such as boating etc. There was no inflow of sewage also in that river. She now wants to restore a small part of the Cooum River just like in Texas.
Mayor Priya spoke about how GCC looked into the bund strengthening work and the possibilities of beautification of river banks in Cooum. The USA based diplomats have explained about various activities carried out by GCC, Metro Water and WRD.
Ferry service revival plan:
As per an official from GCC it was clear that the pilot restoration of Cooum River & Buckingham Canal even at a limited stretch could show the potential of funding to revive ferry service plans.
In 2022, the ferry service revival plan was originally proposed by the Inland Waterway Authority of India. Based on the model restoration works, banks provide funding. Chennai faced floods in the years 2005, 2008, 2015, 2020, 2021 are known. The Chennai mayor mentioned that they had reviewed the flood damage and causes and interventions with the American diplomats. Point is that measures would be taken to block the sewage inflow in parts of the river stretch first. It must be noted that GCC has not yet narrowed down the stretches where they would pilot their project.
