The Water Resources Department (WRD) is aiming to complete dredging works in the Ennore backwaters to remove the invasive Charru mussel, which has affected the wetland ecosystem and fishing activities, by October. Residents and fishing communities, however, seek regular monitoring and removal measures.
The work is being taken up in stretches between Kattupalli and Puzhuthivakkam where the invasive species has proliferated to remove them. It is locally known as ‘Kakka Azhi’. The project is being carried out with the funds from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation.
Officials of the WRD noted that work in the backwaters of Kosasthalaiyar river is being carried out in phases following a National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive. While a project in about 1,700 metre portion of the backwaters was completed last year, work is in progress to dredge another 1,700-metre stretch covering Kattupalli and Puzhuthivakkam and 500 metre branch channel.
The department has been dredging for a depth of up to one metre in various stretches since March this year. Anna University had recommended dredging along a stretch extending from Ennore creek towards Pazhaverkadu to address the spread of the invasive species.
“We are prioritising dredging work in heavily infested portions and plan to execute in other portions too. A proposal to dredge the stretch near Ennore estuary has been submitted,” said an official.
Currently, the dredged slurry is pumped onto the bunds. While water from the sediment is allowed to flow back into the waterway, the removed invasive mussels are disposed off seperately, officials said.
However, residents and fishing communities, have stressed that one-time dredging alone may not provide a lasting solution. They have sought regular monitoring of the backwaters to track the spread of the mussel.
Bhagath Singh of Save Ennore Creek Movement said dredged material must be disposed off properly. Representatives of the fishing communities must also be allowed to perform a supervisory role as the work is being carried out in areas that serve as breeding grounds.
Residents have also urged the authorities to identify the reasons for the proliferation and take preventive measures.
Officials noted that the Fisheries Department has launched a study to explore measures to eradicate the invasive species.
On the recent mass fishkill in Kosasthalaiyar river, officials said the department was coordinating with the Fisheries Department and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to find the rootcause of the pollution. Once the report is completed, mitigation measures would be initiated apart from increased monitoring of the waterway.
Published – August 25, 2026 05:30 am IST
