Calls grow for Greater Chennai Corporation to bring permanent solution to Adyar River hyacinth issue

The persistent accumulation of water hyacinth and consequent rising mosquito menace in the Adyar River have drawn flak from residents and rowers, who have demanded a permanent solution from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

S. Jagadeeshan, 24, a resident of a settlement near Thideer Nagar on the banks of the Adyar, alleged that the build-up of water hyacinth, garbage, and debris, along with the mosquito menace, was addressed only during visits by elected representatives so far.

“The last time the hyacinth was cleared was about a month ago. Even then, it was not removed completely. Mosquito breeding has become so menacing that we are not able to even step outside. Children get sick often,” he said.

Mr. Jagadeeshan claimed that there was no door-to-door garbage collection in the locality, except in Gothamedu Housing Board tenements, resulting in residents dumping waste into the river. He also said drainage works promised by the previous government remained incomplete despite roads being dug up three months ago, leading to sewage entering the river. He further said that on the wider river banks on the other side of Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (formerly Marmalong Bridge), some youth engage in gambling and alcohol consumption between the bushes.

Madras Boat Club captain Sumana Narayanan said the spread of hyacinth had intensified since October last year, resulting in the cancellation of morning boating sessions because of dense weed accumulation. She said repeated complaints had been made to the GCC and deweeding operations were carried out periodically, but it was a recurring issue.

She added that mosquito breeding had increased, particularly for residents living near the banks. She said the spread of hyacinth reduced oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish deaths, and that the weeds moved along the river depending on wind direction.

Ms. Narayanan said older members of the club had observed that the problem had worsened over the past 30 to 40 years. She also referred to assistance provided earlier by Anna University and agencies from the Netherlands, and an earlier water study conducted by Anna University.

Over the years, several allocations have been announced for Adyar River restoration, including projects for eco-park development, sewage interception, flood mitigation, riverfront parks and resettlement of families living along the banks. The allocations ranged from multi-crore phase-wise projects between 2006 and 2011 to ₹4,227 crore in 2024.

Chennai Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar said he would inspect the river and ensure action against illegal sewage discharge and garbage dumping into the waterbody.