Chennai, August 23: A conflict has arisen between the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the Fisheries Department regarding the ongoing Mammallan Reservoir project in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. Allegations have surfaced that construction is proceeding without the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fisheries Department. Reports indicate that approximately 30% of the proposed drinking water reservoir has been completed.
The Fisheries Department has yet to grant its approval and has requested additional information from the WRD to assess the potential impact of the project on the fishing community.
This reservoir is being constructed in the Kovalam sub-basin, situated between East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road. Spanning around 5,161 acres, it is designed to have an annual storage capacity of 2.25 thousand million cubic feet of water, which is expected to enhance Chennai’s drinking water supply. Former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for this project in January.
After nearly six months of construction, the WRD formally reached out to the Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare on July 21 to request the NOC. This delay has raised concerns within the government, particularly since the project is located near the coast and could affect the livelihoods of approximately 5,000 fishing families.
A senior government official stated that the WRD should have consulted the Fisheries Department and obtained its approval before commencing construction. The official remarked, “When a major project is close to the coast and impacts fishermen’s livelihoods, it is crucial to secure prior approval and the correct NOC. Allowing construction to start without the necessary approvals was a mistake.”
The official also questioned why the WRD did not submit its request until July, despite the project being inaugurated and substantial work already completed.
According to the Fisheries Department, further information is needed to evaluate the potential environmental and livelihood impacts of the reservoir. Officials noted that despite repeated requests for information, the WRD has not provided satisfactory responses. The department will decide on approval and conditions only after receiving and reviewing the necessary documents.
This dispute has raised questions about coordination among departments in large infrastructure projects. The ongoing construction, despite the pending NOC, leaves uncertainty regarding whether the WRD will need to modify the project or implement safety measures for the affected fishing communities.
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