Sikkarayapuram quarries to be turned into water storage facilities

Plans afoot to build canal from Chembarambakkam surplus course

The Water Resources Department has proposed to build a canal to carry excess water from Chembarambakkam reservoir to abandoned quarries in Sikkarayapuram where it can be stored as a buffer drinking water source for Chennai.

Every time, the floodgates of Chembarambakkam reservoir are opened, a considerable quantum of water flows into the Adyar. A portion of the water will be diverted to Sikkarayapuram quarries to be drawn during drought.

The 2.10-km channel, which will carry 500 cusecs of water, will be built near the Chembarambakkam surplus course at Kavanur.

In what is considered a rare occasion, the shutters of the Chembarambakkam reservoir were opened in June this year. At 3.2 tmcft, the water storage in the reservoir was 88% of its capacity on Monday. On the corresponding day last year, the storage was 2.65 tmcft.

Officials said the floodgates may be opened for the second time this year during the northeast monsoon if the Chembarambakkam reservoir gets heavy inflows.

A 40-metre wide bed dam will be built across the Chembarambakkam surplus course near Kavanur to ensure smooth diversion of water into the canal.

The ₹35-crore project will create another water source for the city and reduce flooding in the Adyar. About 400 million cubic feet of water can be stored in the abandoned quarries.