The Tamil Nadu Government will seek external funding to
implement clean the 214 km of waterways in Chennai Metropolitan area
and the 42 lakes that are highly polluted.

According to the budget document for 2013-14, the
project for eco-restoration of the three rivers the Cooum, Adyar and the
Kosasthaliyar and small canals will be under the aegis of the Chennai
Rivers Restoration Trust.

The project will be expensive and the State Government will approach external funding agencies.

Eco-restoration will involve upstream treatment,
desilting, plugging polluting outfalls, sewage treatment, scientific
solid waste management, embankment protection and development of
walkways and parks.

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency aided
Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project will be
continued in the current year with the Government allotting Rs 50 crore.

The water conservation programme and green canopy
improvement programme covering degraded forest areas at a cost of Rs 50
crore started last year with National Bank for Agricultural and Rural
Development will also be continued with an additional allocation of Rs
50 crore.