Mamallan Reservoir on East Coast Road

Foundation Stone Laid by the Chief Minister

Mamallan Reservoir on East Coast Road: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the Mamallan Reservoir along the East Coast Road (ECR). The project marks a significant step in strengthening Chennai’s long-term drinking water security amid recurring water stress.

The reservoir is being developed under the supervision of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department. It reflects the State’s renewed focus on sustainable and diversified water sources.

Chennai’s Sixth Drinking Water Source

The Mamallan Reservoir has been proposed as Chennai’s sixth drinking water source. Currently, the city depends on reservoirs such as Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, Chembarambakkam, and Veeranam Lake.

Frequent monsoon failures and rising demand have exposed the limitations of existing sources. The new reservoir aims to reduce overdependence on inland storage systems.

Static GK fact: Chennai is one of the few Indian metros that combines reservoirs, river transfers, groundwater, and desalination for urban water supply.

First Coastal Freshwater Reservoir in Tamil Nadu

The Mamallan project is notable as Tamil Nadu’s first coastal freshwater reservoir. Unlike inland reservoirs, it is designed to store freshwater close to the coastline without salinity intrusion.

Special engineering measures are being adopted to prevent seawater ingress. This makes the project technologically distinct from traditional reservoir models.

Static GK Tip: Coastal freshwater reservoirs are already used in countries like the Netherlands and South Korea to manage urban water stress.

Strategic Importance of the East Coast Road Location

The East Coast Road corridor connects Chennai with rapidly expanding suburban and tourism zones. Population growth along this stretch has increased pressure on existing water infrastructure.

Placing the reservoir near demand centres reduces transmission losses. It also improves response time during acute water shortages.

Climate Resilience and Urban Planning

Climate variability has intensified drought-flood cycles in Tamil Nadu. The Mamallan Reservoir is planned as a climate-resilient infrastructure asset.

By storing excess rainwater during monsoons, it helps buffer dry-season scarcity. This aligns with the State’s broader urban water management reforms.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu was one of the earliest States to mandate rainwater harvesting in urban buildings.

Complementing Desalination and River Sources

Chennai currently operates multiple desalination plants along the coast. However, desalination is energy-intensive and costly.

The Mamallan Reservoir provides a lower-cost freshwater alternative. It complements desalination and river-based supplies rather than replacing them.

Governance and Long-Term Water Security

The project reflects proactive governance in addressing urban water challenges. It also underscores the role of long-term planning over emergency water measures.

Once completed, the reservoir is expected to stabilise drinking water availability. It will play a key role in Chennai’s future water resilience strategy.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Mamallan Reservoir on East Coast Road: