Chennai, 28 Oct 2026: 2026: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday directed officials to regulate surplus water discharge from Chemba rambakkam lake to prevent flooding in downstream areas along the Adyar river, while maintaining adequate storage to meet Chennai's drinking water needs during the northeast monsoon.
Inspecting the reservoir in Kundra thur taluk of Kanchee puram district, Vijay instructed Water Resources Department officials to closely monitor water levels and inflow throughout the monsoon and issue advance warnings to residents in flood-prone areas before releasing surplus water.
As of 6 am on water level stood at 14.76 feet against its full level of 24 feet. The lake held 1,488 million cubic feet (mcft) of water, about 41% of its total capacity of 3,645 mcft. Inflow was recorded at 150 cusecs, while discharge stood at 208 cusecs.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister examined the reservoir's sluice gates, water intake tower and bunds. He reviewed the available storage capacity and preparedness to handle a sudden increase in inflow following heavy rainfall.
Vijay directed officials to ensure that control rooms function round the clock with adequate personnel. He also instructed them to keep sluice gates, lifting mechanisms, electricity supply, backup power facilities and communication systems ready to handle emergencies.
Emphasising flood prevention, he said surplus water should be released gradually after assessing its possible impact on low-lying residential areas along the Adyar river.
He called for coordi nation among the Revenue Department, police, Greater Chennai Corporation and Chennai Metro politan Water Supply and Sewerage Board to ensure timely alerts and precautionary measures.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to maintain the reservoir at prescribed water levels through out the monsoon to ensure sufficient flood storage capacity without disrupting drinking water supply to Chennai.
Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N. Anand, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, NonResident Tamils Welfare Minister K. Thennarasu, Forest Minister R.V. Ranjith kumar, MLA J. Muni rathinam, Chief Secretary M/ Saikumar, Water Resources Secretary Prashant M. Wadnere, Kanchee puram Collector T. Sneha and Water Resources Department Chief Engineer (Chennai Region) M. Janaki accompanied the Chief Minister.