Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday flagged off the construction works for Chennai’s sixth reservoir, named Mamallan, along the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chengalpattu district.
The new reservoir will come up in the Kovalam sub-basin, located between the ECR and the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), covering parts of Tiruporur and Thirukazhukundram taluks in Chengalpattu district. The project is being taken up at an estimated cost of ₹342.60 crore.
Once completed, the Mamallan reservoir is expected to store up to 2.25 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water annually, while its total storage capacity will be 1.65 tmcft. The project is aimed at strengthening Chennai’s drinking water supply and meeting the growing demand in fast-developing areas.
Addressing the gathering, Stalin explained the reason for naming the reservoir “Mamallan”, stating, “The Pallavas ruled the Tondai region with Kancheepuram as their capital from the third to the ninth century and created 39 lakes, including those at Mahendravadi, Uthiramerur, Thenneri and Thoosi Mamandur. These lakes ensured food and water security through a structured lake administration system”.
"As the new reservoir is coming up near Mamallapuram, built by Pallava king Narasimhavarman, popularly known as Mamallan, it is appropriate to name it the Mamallan Reservoir", the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the features of the project, Stalin said the reservoir will be created by diverting surplus water from 69 lakes of the Manamathi group, which otherwise flows into the sea. Through this project, the government will be able to supply 170 million litres of drinking water per day to the public.
The reservoir will benefit about 13 lakh people living in rapidly developing areas around Chennai, including Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Pallikkaranai, Siruseri, Kelambakkam, Tiruporur and Mamallapuram.
The Chief Minister added the project will also help store fresh water in nearby areas such as Thiruvidanthai, Kokilamedu, Mamallapuram, Tiruporur Thandalam and Paiyanur.
This will prevent seawater intrusion and improve both the level and quality of groundwater.
"As part of the plan, the Buckingham Canal in the region will be restored over a length of 15 km, covering an area of 311 acres. This will improve the livelihood of fishermen who depend on brackish water fish resources. Fishermen living in the area will also be issued fishing licenses," he said.
Stalin noted that Chennai currently depends on reservoirs such as Chembarambakkam, Puzhal, Cholavaram and Poondi.
With the addition of the Mamallan Reservoir, the city’s water storage capacity will further improve.
He also said the government is happy to present the Best Water Conservation award to non-governmental organisations playing a key role in ensuring sustainable water resource management.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and ministers, as well as Chengalpattu collector D Sneha and officials from the Water Resources Department, took part in the event.