Residents Oppose Kovalam Reservoir Over Canal Threat

Residents of Kovalam Kuppam and nearby villages in Chengalpattu district have urged the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to step in immediately to stop any obstruction to the Buckingham Canal due to a proposed reservoir project at Kovalam.

In a letter sent to the Ministry, the residents warned that Chennai’s proposed sixth reservoir could block the natural flow of water in the Buckingham Canal. They pointed out that the canal is an important water body and also a part of National Waterway-4 (NW-4), which is meant for inland water transport.

The petition was submitted to the Secretary of the Union Ministry and also to senior officials of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), including its Chairman and Regional Director. The residents said that blocking the canal could lead to serious problems such as flooding in nearby villages, damage to the local environment and disruption to water movement.

They have requested the authorities to study the project carefully and ensure that the canal’s flow is not disturbed. The villagers also asked the Centre to protect the Buckingham Canal, which plays a key role in drainage and water management along the coast, and to take urgent action before any construction work begins.