Chennai, Sep 22 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress in preparing the Detailed Project Report and initiating development works for the comprehensive restoration of the highly polluted Cooum river.
The initiative follows the announcement in the 2026-27 State Budget, which prioritised Chennai’s river restoration schemes and proposed a comprehensive plan for the revival of the Cooum, a press release said.
During the meeting, the CM reviewed the DPR for restoring the Cooum to its natural state and ensuring its ecological rejuvenation.
He reviewed proposed public amenities, subsequent phases of implementation and global tenders floated to secure international technical expertise and meet world-class standards.
As an initial pilot measure, the meeting evaluated a 3-km stretch selected for a concept plan and demonstration project.
Proposed interventions along the pilot stretch comprise dedicated pedestrian walkways, bicycle tracks, riverfront promenades, viewing decks, green spaces, community utility areas and nature-based ecological enhancement measures.
Emphasising the need to improve Chennai’s urban river ecosystem and create quality public spaces, Vijay instructed officials to implement the Cooum restoration project through an integrated, phase-wise and sustainable approach.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary M Saikumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Municipal Administration and Water Supply) Kakarla Usha and other senior government officials concerned.
(PTI News)
