Fri Feb 06 19:11:23 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Chennai’s Orathur Reservoir Project Stalled After Six Years, Hampering Flood Mitigation and Water Supply

The Story:
A crucial water infrastructure project in Chennai, conceived to mitigate flooding and augment water supply, remains significantly delayed six years after its initiation. The ₹55.84-crore Orathur reservoir project, launched in 2020, aimed to merge Orathur and Arambakkam tanks and the Orathur tributary to create a new reservoir. Originally slated for completion in 2021, the project is only 68% complete due to various hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, delays in land acquisition, pending court cases related to land reclassification, and the transfer of alternate lands to owners. The stalled project jeopardizes flood protection for southern suburbs and the provision of 100 million litres of water daily to Chennai.

Key Points:

  • The Orathur reservoir project, initiated in 2020, is still incomplete as of February 2026.
  • The project aims to mitigate flooding in southern suburbs like Mahalakshmi Nagar and Varadharajapuram.
  • It also intends to supply 100 million litres of water daily to Chennai.
  • Only 68% of the work has been completed due to COVID-19, land acquisition delays, and legal issues.
  • The reservoir will have a storage capacity of approximately 587 mcft in the first phase, increasing to 1,000 mcft after desilting.
  • The connecting bund is 2,875-m long, and 490 metres remain pending due to land acquisition issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Infrastructure projects in Chennai face significant delays due to land acquisition and legal hurdles.
  • Delays in water management projects can increase flood risk and strain water supply in urban areas.
  • Effective project management and inter-departmental coordination are crucial for timely completion of essential infrastructure.
  • The reliance on monsoon rainfall underscores the need for robust, completed reservoir projects.
  • Residents’ reliance on temporary improvements underscores the need for a permanent solution.

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