Message

The city of Chennai is a centre for art, culture, business and government. Throb- bing with vibrant energy, the city is a pulse point for urbanised development. At the same time, it has increasingly become a nexus for environmental challenges. Land use, trans- portation, open space, greenery, safe air and water are among the host of environmental challenges for sustainable development of the city.

The waterways in the city constitute an important environmental component for assimilation of wastewater, recharge of ground water acquifers and also for maintaining the aesthetic quality. In the earlier days, the waterways such as the Buckingham Canal also served as a useful mode for inter-State transport.

However, over the years, the waterways in the city have been subjected to increasing pollution and incursions of vari- ous kinds and consequently their functional capabilities have been adversely affected.

The project for environmental improvement of waterways in Chennai is a major programme, first of its kind, to rejuvenate the important water courses in the city which will have significant impacts on the well being of the city and its populace.

It is a collaborative initiative of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewer- age Board along with the Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollu- tion Control Board (CPCB) supported by the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.

I am happy to release this document which explains the genesis of the project, its objectives, modus operandi and expected outcome.

I look forward to successful implementation of the project for enhancing the quality of life in the city.