NHAI to Clear Cooum River Bunds by Oct. 10 for Unhindered Water Flow

Quick Summary

• Teh National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to remove 238 temporary bunds from the Cooum river by October 10, 2025. These bunds were used during the construction of a double-decker elevated corridor connecting chennai Port and Maduravoyal.
• Removal aims to ensure free water flow in the river ahead of the Northeast Monsoon. In 2024, similar operations removed bunds from 89 points.
• Temporary bunds are platforms made with soft materials, measuring about 10 meters each and comprising approximately four lorries’ worth of earth.
• Work on removing the bunds will begin on September 10 and proceed in phases.
• at a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, NHAI stated that pillar construction would shift focus elsewhere while removing these temporary structures.
• Retrofitting work is simultaneously being done on pillars along the Koyambedu-Maduravoyal stretch; this involves reinforcing older pillars for additional load capacity. Of a total of 125 pillars, work on retrofitting has reached around 115 so far.
• Last year, the Southern bench of the National Green Tribunal directed NHAI and Water Resources Department to monitor water flow due to these construction activities in the riverbed area.
• A local resident highlighted traffic congestion caused by ongoing work near Maduravoyal.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The phased removal of temporary bunds from Cooum river reflects responsible planning ahead of monsoon season while balancing environmental safeguards and infrastructure development. By adhering to directives from regulatory bodies such as NGT (National Green Tribunal), this action underscores accountability toward maintaining ecological outcomes amidst large-scale urban projects.

However, challenges persist owing to extended timelines affecting commuter convenience-a concern raised by residents such as those traveling through Maduravoyal daily. Once completed successfully though multi-layer weight reinforced – scenario results should positively ripple forward both economically boosting improved linkages connectivity zones range sprawling factories ports alike making decisive pivotal groundwork underway sheer events span It