Chennai, 19 January (H.S.) : Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday officially laid the foundation stone for the Mamallan reservoir project at Nemmeli on the East Coast Road (ECR). The Water Resources Department project, valued at Rs 342.60 crore, is strategically designed to enhance the water supply for the rapidly developing southern suburbs of Chennai.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Chief Minister emphasized that efficient water management is as vital as financial management for the prosperity of the state. He noted that the project is named after the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I, famously known as 'Mamallan', who established the historic town of Mamallapuram. This new reservoir is expected to serve as a significant historical landmark that addresses the long term water security needs of the region.
The Mamallan reservoir will be developed within the Kovalam basin, spanning across areas between Thiruporur and Thirukazhukundram. It is designed to cover approximately 5,100 acres with a storage capacity of 1.65 TMC and will feature a 34-km-long bund.
According to authority versions, the facility will supply 170 million litres of water per day, directly benefitting 13 lakh residents in localities such as Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai, and Siruseri.
Additionally, the project aims to prevent seawater intrusion and includes the restoration of a 15-km stretch of the Buckingham Canal to support local fishermen.
Chief Minister Stalin also utilized the platform to highlight the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's track record, stating that 43 reservoirs were constructed during their previous administrative terms between 1967 and 2011, thereby rebutting criticisms regarding infrastructure development.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
