CM Vijay Reviews Preparation of DPR For Cooum Restoration

Chennai: The government is planning a phased redevelopment of the Cooum river, developing an initial 3-km stretch for riverfront amenities, green spaces as part of a broader restoration plan.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday reviewed the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the Cooum river restoration project and directed officials to adopt an integrated and sustainable approach to improve the river environment and create better public spaces along the river.

The government is also preparing to invite global tenders to bring in international technical expertise and standards for the project.

The review meeting, held at the Secretariat, follows the announcement in the 2026-27 state budget to prioritise Chennai’s river restoration projects and prepare a DPR for the Cooum restoration programme.

As part of the initial exercise, officials are examining a 3-km stretch for developing a concept plan and demonstration project. The proposed interventions include pedestrian and cycling paths, riverfront walkways, viewing decks, green spaces and community-use facilities.

Nature-based measures aimed at improving the surrounding environment are also being considered. The government has proposed taking up the Cooum restoration in multiple phases, rather than as a standalone infrastructure project. The Chief Minister directed the officials to ensure that the various components were integrated and implemented through a sustainable approach.

The DPR is expected to examine the proposed facilities, restoration measures and the next stages of implementation, while also incorporating international technical expertise.

The move comes against the backdrop of long-standing efforts to restore the Cooum, one of Chennai’s major waterways, which has been affected over the years by sewage inflows, solid waste, encroachments and changes to its natural flow.

The latest proposal appears to place greater emphasis on combining ecological restoration with public-use spaces along selected stretches, although the details of the full 3-km demonstration area and the larger project will emerge as the DPR progresses.

Officials from the municipal administration and water supply department, finance department, water resources department and the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust participated in the meeting.

Chief secretary M. Saikumar; additional chief secretary of municipal administration and water supply department, Gagandeep Singh Bedi; additional chief secretary of finance M.A. Siddique; water resources department secretary Prashanth M. Vadnere; and Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust member-secretary Simranjeet Singh Kahlon were present.