Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin initiated the Mamallan Reservoir Project in Nemmeli, Chengalpattu district, to enhance water security for Chennai’s southern suburbs. Costing Rs 342.60 crore, the project by the Water Resources Department aims to boost drinking water supply and long-term water management. CM Stalin emphasized the significance of water governance, comparing it to financial management for a nation.
The Chief Minister highlighted Tamil Nadu’s historical reliance on water bodies for civilization development, with settlements traditionally near sustainable water sources. Referring to the Pallava era, he mentioned the creation of 39 lakes in Kancheepuram for water security. The reservoir, named after Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I, known as ‘Mamallan,’ will benefit Chennai’s expanding regions. CM Stalin addressed criticisms against the government, refuting claims of inadequate reservoir construction by listing 43 reservoirs built during previous DMK administrations.
CM Stalin praised the DMK government’s water sector achievements, including timely Mettur dam openings, Cauvery delta restoration projects for farmers, and extensive infrastructure works. These efforts encompass check dams, anaicuts, lake desilting, and drain restoration. He also mentioned the Thamirabarani–Karumeniyar–Nambiyar interlinking canal project. The Mamallan Reservoir project in the Kovalam basin will cover areas along the ECR–OMR stretch, preventing surplus water from Manamathi lake from draining into the sea. With a storage capacity of 1.65 TMC, it will supply 170 million liters per day to benefit around 13 lakh people in various areas, prevent seawater intrusion, and support fishermen through canal restoration.
