A Right to Information response dated June 24, 2026 from Water Resource Department has stated that a revised proposal estimated at ₹44.10 crore had been submitted to the State government for comprehensive restoration of the Naattu Kaalvai.

This should come as some relief to residents of Saraswathipuram, Rangapuram and adjoining localities in Tiruneermalai who have been wagging a long battle to remove encroachments, desilt the Naattu Kaalvai and prevent the discharge of sewage and effluents into the canal.

The localities, which were formerly under the Tiruneermalai Town Panchayat and now fall under Ward 31 of Tambaram Corporation, depend on the canal for the drainage of surplus water from waterbodies including Tiruneermalai Periya Eri and Veeraraghavan Eri.

The latest RTI states that the proposed works would include the construction of 3,200 metres of flood-retaining walls on both sides of the canal. According to the department, the project would prevent floodwater from breaching the canal and inundating adjoining residential colonies.

Flooding concerns

According to residents and activists, surplus water from these tanks flows through the Naattu Kaalvai, passing through Saraswathipuram, Ranga Nagar, the Tiruneermalai temple town, Jain Housing and other residential areas before joining the Adyar river. However, encroachments, silt accumulation and sewage inflow have reduced the carrying capacity of the canal, resulting in frequent inundation during heavy rain.

“During intense spells of rain, the bridge across the Naattu Kaalvai on Tiruneermalai Main Road near Saraswathipuram becomes virtually inaccessible,” said social activist Santhanam. He said periodic desilting and removal of encroachments could significantly improve the free flow of storm water.

Residents have been pursuing the issue through Right to Information (RTI) applications since 2016.

A response received from WRD in October 2024 acknowledged the presence of encroachments and other deficiencies along the canal. The department also stated that it had requested Tambaram Corporation to prevent garbage dumping and the illegal discharge of sewage into the waterway.

Canal narrowed

Saravanan said portions of the canal, originally about 60 ft wide, have narrowed to nearly 15 ft and, in some stretches, to around 10 ft because of encroachments.

“Some encroachments were removed after the 2015 floods. However, several stretches remain affected, restricting the flow of water and causing inundation even during moderate rainfall,” he said.

Residents identified Saraswathipuram Extension, Ranga Nagar, Subburaya Nagar, Kasi Garden and parts of the Tiruneermalai temple town among the worst-affected areas.

Call for early action

Residents have urged WRD to secure approval for the ₹53.13-crore proposal and commence restoration works before the onset of the northeast monsoon. They also sought deepening and desilting of the canal, strengthening of retaining walls, action against sewage and industrial effluent discharge, and the removal of remaining encroachments. Residents have further proposed covering the canal with concrete slabs while providing inspection chambers at regular intervals for maintenance and desilting operations. They also sought the construction of a connecting bridge between Saraswathipuram Second Street and Saraswathipuram Extension Fourth Street to improve accessibility across the canal. Residents said the long-pending issues, which have remained unresolved for over a decade, require immediate intervention to mitigate flood risk and restore the canal’s drainage function.