Somewhere in Chennai....

The polluted estuary of the Adyar river could be Chennai’s greenest area and an ecological hotspot two years down the line.
The state government has set the ball rolling for eco-restoration of 300 acres of Adyar estuary from the shoreline up to Thiru-Vi-Ka Bridge. It has received the go-ahead for the Rs 18-crore project from the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The plan is to build on the restoration of 58 acres of the creek by the previous DMK government, which resulted in the verdant haven that is now Adyar Poonga.
A government report said poor water quality in the river and estuarine ecosystem of Adyar has been the primary cause of degradation of the estuary’s ecology.
Low water oxygen levels and high organic content in sediment, discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents in the river have had a devastating effect on the river as has the proliferation of slums along its banks.
The project will involve improvement of water quality to enhance flora and fauna in the estuary.
The plan proposes removal of debris, plastics and sludge and reintroduction of original flora and fauna. Experts advising the government said work will begin with the removal of spiny shrub prosopis that
proliferates in the islands and on the banks. Teams will replace it with native species, plant mangroves near Adyar bridge, bring back mudflat vegetation as well as build pathways for visitors.
Untreated sewage now enters the river and estuary from 28 major drains and discharge of partially treated industrial effluents from Pammal impairs water quality upstream. There is also pollution from slum colonies and solid waste dumped in the area from Saidapet and Adyar.
Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd, the state’s financial advisory agency held a pre-bid meeting with various companies on the restoration project.