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Water Bodies Restoration FAQ

Water Bodies Restoration FAQ

FAQ

How can i contribute to Water Bodies restoration project ?

As a Framework

Urban water bodies are ecosystems that require a scientific understanding of its hydrological and social characteristics for restoring them. Many water bodies in Chennai are in different stages of degradation in various ways – through eutrophication, toxic pollution, indiscriminate encroachments or habitat loss. The legal ownership and responsibility of water bodies vests with various government departments depending on their extent, jurisdiction and utility. Conservation and management of the water bodies accordingly involves bringing together a large array of stakeholders and the arduous task of resolution of the conflicts between their interests. The Sustainable Water Security Mission (SWaSM) is centered on participatory approach of all stakeholders to the preparation and implementation of management action plans to restore and rejuvenate water bodies inside the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA).

Water Body Database

As part of the SWaSM framework, the master data of all water bodies (irrespective of size) will be collated and a standard Base Line Report (BLR) prepared for all the identified water bodies. Each water body will be geo-tagged and marked on a web GIS. In case citizens identify a water body not present in the master database, the same can be intimated with photographs and geo-coded locations to the SWaSM team. Once verified by the concerned department the “crowd sourced” water body data will be included in the database with a BLR.

Ownership

For each water body the ownership will be clearly assigned. In case of conflict between departments, the same will be resolved at the earliest. If a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for water body restoration is available immediately with departments those projects will be prioritized. The responsibility for marking the boundary shall be vested with the concerned department.

Funding

The size of water bodies varies from a few hundred square metres to hundreds of hectares. Further, the extent of degradation and the action plan required to restore water bodies are specific to each one. The devastating floods that deluged the city of Chennai in 2015 followed by the severe drought in 2017 have brought together the collective common conscience of the public to contribute to the restoration and rejuvenation of water bodies. In addition to Government funds wherever available, CSR funds may be pooled into specific projects. “Adopt a Water Body “concept, whereby NGOs/Corporates willing to contribute to the restoration of water bodies will be assigned specific works to be carried out. However the implementation of works will strictly be according to the action plan laid out by SWaSM. As an acknowledgement and appreciation to the contribution, proper signages indicating all stakeholders will be erected upon completion of works.

Technical Expertise

The core technical expertise to develop action plan for each water body will be drawn from every source possible including retired Government engineers, academic institutions, individual researchers, NGOs etc. The restoration plan would include:
• In situ measures of cleaning such as de-silting, de-weeding or any other successfully tested eco-technologies etc depending upon the site conditions.
• Catchment area treatment which may include afforestation, storm water drainage, and silt traps etc
• Strengthening of bund, lake fencing, shoreline development etc.
• Public awareness and active public participation through focused events
• Prevention of pollution from non-point sources by providing low cost sanitation
• Proper signage to invoke a sense of pride and ownership among citizens

Maintenance

Every restored water body shall have a Maintenance Action Plan (MAP) to address all issues which may cause future degradation. In order to facilitate greater citizen participation, the entire process & timeline of the water body restoration program will be available on the website. Effective volunteer management tools will be deployed to facilitate easy communication with volunteers especially those from local community

Monitoring

A major component in the sustainability of the project depends on the monitoring of the restoration by local community. For this purpose, local RWAs and NGOs shall be identified and act as lead monitoring agencies for the projects. Local volunteer groups will be trained to keep a check on various water quality parameters and report the same to concerned authorities in case of deterioration. On a pilot basis automated sensor based water quality monitoring will be carried out with support from Chennai Smart City .

As a Volunteer

We appreciate your interest in volunteering for the restoration of water bodies initiative. You can volunteer with SWASM in the following various ways:

1. Participate in Water Body Restoration / Cleanup

To check if there is any Restoration activity happening close to your location in Chennai check the Events Page Here. Normally every lake has an assigned NGO / Nodal officer coordinating most of the volunteering efforts. It is better to get it touch with the concerned person. If you do not receive a response. If a water body near your location is not listed, you can suggest the water body to be picked up for cleaning via email to chennaiwatermission@gmail.com. If the current requirements don't match your expertise/availability, you can enrol yourself as a volunteer via the form on this page, along with your interest and availability and we will get in touch with you.  

2. Publicize about this Initiative

We are always exploring newer ways to share the information on Water Body restoration across multiple channels. You could write about us on your facebook page or tweet about us using the icons listed on almost all the pages on this site. You can use the posters here to spread awareness both digitally and in the print media. If you are a blogger/media agency and you would like to know more about this initiative, please get in touch with via the form on the contact us page.  

3. Creation of Content / Creatives and Technical help for this website

We believe in the power of the citizens. We are currently actively looking at interns / volunteers who can write and create content for the website and social media. If you are instested, please drop in a mail to chennaiwatermission@gmail.com 

What is the objective behind setting up a framework of waterbodies for restoration? What kind of organization, institution or group can undertake water body restoration projects?

Our aim is to identify and restore water bodies across the city in order to rejuvenate groundwater, flood mitigation and ultimately improve the ecology of the area. We aim to do this by bringing together local communities volunteers, youth groups, technically competent NGOs while bringing in funds from Resident Welfare Associations(RWA), CSR from Corporates or donations from any individual, institution or organization that would like to support this program.

What are the benefits and impact of a water body restoration project ?

  • Improves ground water table
  • Improves the aesthetics of the neighbourhood
  • Becomes a nice public space
  • Source of clean water.

Is there a database of the various kinds of water bodies that can be taken up as projects?

Currently, there are over 210 water bodies that require restoration and yes, you may view this database by clicking on the following link

Is there a database of the various kinds of water bodies that can be taken up as projects?

Currently, there are over 210 water bodies that require restoration and yes, you may view this database by clicking on the following link

Is there a database of the various kinds of water bodies that can be taken up as projects?

Currently, there are over 210 water bodies that require restoration and yes, you may view this database by clicking on the following link

Frequently Asked Questions by Volunteers

If we are a Resident Welfare Association, looking to restore a waterbody in our locality, who do we approach? What is the procedure for adopting the waterbody?

You may have a look at the map on our homepage and identify your particular waterbody. If it is yet to be taken up by Chennai corporation, Metro Water or the Public Works Department you may notify us through email and we will respond once an assessment of the waterbody has been conducted.

Depending upon the water body that you chose, the nodal agency would differ. Once you have informed us about your interest in a particular project will we connect with the concerned agency who will execute the project utilizing funds provided by you.

You can send us an email with your queries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions by Resident Welfare Associations

If we are a Resident Welfare Association, looking to restore a waterbody in our locality, who do we approach? What is the procedure for adopting the waterbody?

You may have a look at the map on our homepage and identify your particular waterbody. If it is yet to be taken up by Chennai corporation, Metro Water or the Public Works Department you may notify us through email and we will respond once an assessment of the waterbody has been conducted.

Depending upon the water body that you chose, the nodal agency would differ. Once you have informed us about your interest in a particular project will we connect with the concerned agency who will execute the project utilizing funds provided by you.

You can send us an email with your queries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions by Corporates

If we are a corporate looking to undertake such a project under CSR, will there be brand visibility?

The web page designated for each water body will display the name of the stakeholder that has adopted it. Apart from the digital footprint, the water body site may also signify through signage, the company behind the sponsorship.

Employees can volunteer in two ways:

  • Along with the NGO volunteers, they may also assist in tree plantation during the bund strengthening efforts.

  • They can be responsible for educating the local community on the process and benefits of creating and preserving water bodies.

A site visit trip can be arranged for corporates to corporally assess the impact of their support.

The NGO involved will assign a volunteer to communicate with and report to the various stakeholders. Involved parties can also stay updated by subscribing to the particular water body’s web page that will send periodic updates about the activities associated with the water body.

Please click on the following link to view the ongoing restoration of a pond in Chennai

Please visit the following link, register your email with us, and expect timely updates regarding the water body restoration program.

You can send us an email with your queries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions by NGO's

We are a NGO with technical expertise in the field of water body restorations and we would like to be involved in this program. Who will bear the expenses of the support provided by us?

Costs borne by the NGO in helping restore the water bodies will be covered by government or CSR funds.

You can send us an email with your queries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.