The Water Resources Department (WRD) is set to initiate work on a detailed project report (DPR) to examine the feasibility of operating a Water Metro service and developing National Waterway-4 (NW-4) along the Buckingham Canal between Ennore and Marakkanam.
As the first step, a ₹31-crore project will restore a five-kilometre stretch from Chepauk to Greenways Road, backed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The DPR will focus on improving navigability, controlling pollution, and addressing structural issues. Officials noted that dredging the canal to a minimum depth of three metres is essential, as silt and sludge have raised the bed one metre above mean sea level, reducing water flow and flood capacity.
Plans include enhancing the canal’s carrying capacity by 700 cusecs, strengthening banks, and creating recreational spaces—without removing existing encroachments. The canal currently varies between 50 and 150 metres in width, but at least 15 metres is required for navigation. Authorities are also considering installing shutters or tidal gates to maintain water levels. Within city limits, officials have identified around 5,000 encroachments and 15 sewage outfalls that will need to be addressed for successful implementation.
