CHENNAI: Taking lessons from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which battered several delta districts during the 2025 monsoon, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has proposed to undertake pre-monsoon works across the Cauvery basin to prevent flood damage and improve water flow.
Speaking to TNIE, Tiruchy region chief engineer S Sivakumar said this is the first time such works are being planned beyond Chennai. “Until now, pre-monsoon works were limited to Chennai city. Based on recent experiences, we are extending similar measures to the Cauvery basin,” he said.
He added that farmers from various delta districts have been consistently urging the department to carry out such preventive works. The proposed initiative is likely to cover Tiruchy, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts, particularly low-lying and coastal areas that face frequent flooding during heavy rain.
He said the move aims to strengthen water management systems, improve the efficiency of canals and waterways, and ensure smooth flow of water. It is also expected to reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas ahead of the northeast monsoon.
Sivakumar noted that a detailed project report (DPR) is yet to be finalised. However, preliminary estimates put the cost of the project at `7 crore. WRD is planning to start the work in July, subject to necessary administrative and financial approvals.
Meanwhile, the department is continuing large-scale desilting operations in the Cauvery basin in 12 districts. “We have taken up 959 works covering removal of silt and vegetation, strengthening of bunds and improvement of related infrastructure. The Cauvery basin has an extensive network of water channels stretching nearly 25,000 km,” said another senior WRD official.
He pointed out that it is not feasible to carry out desilting work across the entire network at one go. “The work is taken up in phases, usually once every four years, based on priority and requirement,” he said.
This year, summer desilting work commenced on March 7 and will cover a length of 4,972 km at an estimated cost of `100 crore. Around 60% of the work has been completed so far. Officials expressed confidence that the remaining work will be finished before June, ensuring free flow of water up to tail-end areas during the monsoon season.