Chennai Water Crisis: Reasons, Data, and Government Initiatives

Chennai, often called the "Detroit of South Asia," has witnessed rapid urban growth over the last few
decades. However, this growth has put immense pressure on its water resources, leading to a
recurring water crisis. Below is a more detailed analysis of the reasons for the crisis, demographic
growth data, infrastructure constraints, and government initiatives.

Reasons for the Water Crisis

1. Rapid Population Growth and Urbanization

Population Growth: Chennai's population has surged from around 4.3 million in 1981 to over 11.5
million in 2023 (Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area). This threefold increase has significantly
increased the demand for water. The current water demand is estimated at 1.2 billion liters per day,
but supply often falls short, particularly during dry spells.

Urbanization: The city's urban sprawl has grown unchecked. Between 1991 and 2018, built-up areas
expanded by nearly 200%, while green cover and water catchment areas have drastically shrunk.

2. Dependence on Monsoons

Chennai relies on the northeast monsoon (October–December) for 65% of its annual rainfall, but
monsoon variability has led to frequent droughts and water shortages. For instance:

2015: Chennai received 191 cm of rainfall, leading to catastrophic floods.

2019: Rainfall was just 34% of the annual average, resulting in one of the worst water crises.

3. Groundwater Depletion

Excessive groundwater extraction has lowered water tables to critical levels. A report by NITI Aayog
in 2018 placed Chennai among 21 Indian cities that could run out of groundwater by 2030.

Groundwater levels have dropped from 20–30 feet in the 1990s to 100–200 feet in some parts of the
city today. Over-extraction has also led to seawater intrusion, contaminating aquifers.

4. Neglect of Natural Water Systems

Chennai historically had over 600 water bodies as part of its traditional "eri" system (tanks and
reservoirs), designed to store rainwater and recharge groundwater.

Today, less than one-third of these water bodies remain functional, as many have been encroached
upon for urban development. For example:

Velachery Lake and Pallikaranai Marshland have been drastically reduced due to real estate projects.

The Buckingham Canal and Cooum River, once vital water sources, are now heavily polluted.

5. Aging and Inadequate Infrastructure

Chennai's water supply system is outdated and inadequate to meet the city's needs. The Metro
Water Supply and Sewerage Board struggles to ensure equitable distribution of water.

Over 15% of piped water is lost due to leakages and poor infrastructure.
The city's sewage treatment capacity is only about 60% of its needs, with untreated wastewater
polluting rivers and lakes.

6. Climate Change

Chennai is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods and droughts due to climate
change. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns worsen the water crisis.

Infrastructure Strains: Data Highlights

Reservoirs: Chennai depends on four major reservoirs (Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Red Hills, and
Cholavaram). During the 2019 water crisis, these reservoirs ran completely dry.

Water Availability: Per capita water availability has dropped from 1,200 cubic meters in 2001 to
below 850 cubic meters today.

Urban Encroachments:

Wetlands reduced by 62% between 1980 and 2010.

About 90% of the Pallikaranai Marshland has been encroached upon.

Government Initiatives

To tackle the recurring water crisis, the government has introduced various measures:

1. Desalination Plants

Chennai has two operational desalination plants:

Minjur Plant: Capacity of 100 million liters per day (MLD).

Nemmeli Plant: Capacity of 100 MLD.

Two additional desalination plants (each 150 MLD) are under construction, expected to be
operational by 2026.

2. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)

In 2001, Tamil Nadu made rainwater harvesting mandatory for all buildings. By 2023, over 95% of
buildings in Chennai have installed RWH systems, significantly helping groundwater recharge.

3. Restoration of Water Bodies

The government has initiated the restoration of several lakes and rivers:

Adyar River and Cooum River: Projects to remove encroachments and reduce pollution.

Pallikaranai Marshland: Efforts to preserve the remaining marshland as an eco-sensitive zone.

The "Smart City Mission" has also funded the revival of water bodies like the Perumbakkam and
Mudichur lakes.

4. Water Reuse and Recycling

Chennai has increased its focus on treating and reusing wastewater:

Treated water is being supplied to industries and for irrigation, reducing reliance on fresh water.

5. Groundwater Regulation

The Tamil Nadu government has implemented stricter rules to regulate groundwater extraction,
including metering and licensing for private bore wells.

6. Emergency Measures

During crises like the 2019 drought, the government transported water from Jolarpet (215 km away)
via water trains to supply the city.

Increased reliance on private water tankers to deliver water to underserved areas.

Future Plans

Integrated Water Management:

The government plans to develop a Chennai Water Security Plan, focusing on long-term solutions like
desalination, RWH, and wastewater reuse.

Urban Planning:

Strict enforcement of zoning laws to prevent encroachment on wetlands and floodplains.

Community Involvement:

Greater emphasis on public participation in conserving and restoring local water bodies.

Conclusion

Chennai's water crisis is a multifaceted challenge driven by rapid urbanization, poor planning, and
climatic shifts. While government initiatives like desalination plants and rainwater harvesting have
provided some relief, addressing the root causes—such as restoring water bodies, reducing
groundwater dependency, and improving infrastructure—requires sustained and coordinated efforts.
Balancing development with environmental conservation will be crucial for Chennai's long-term
water security.