Tamilnadu's Muttukadu backwaters faces sewage, water level challenges

CHENNAI: A floating restaurant will open at the Muttukadu boat house soon, but authorities are worried about the erratic water level and the presence of sewage in the backwater.
Tourism department officials want govt to dredge backwater to ensure enough water year-round and to stop sewage inflow from canals to realise the tourism potential of the place.

Muttukadu boat house attracted approximately 79,000 tourists in Jan-May period. Jan and May saw the maximum number of visitors. To draw in more visitors, govt has planned several initiatives, including the floating restaurant, jet skis, and water sports.
P Venkatesh, who runs a scuba diving school, has been striving to keep Muttukadu clean for 15 years to promote tourism. “Twenty years ago, we could find many fishes under Muttukadu bridge. The water quality was excellent,” he said. Over the years, however, the water has become polluted.
Sewage-laden water from OMR is discharged into the B canal, contaminating the backwater. “Muttukadu mouth will close soon due to the silt, and the entire stretch, including the canal, will become polluted. The floating restaurant will face difficulties due to the unbearable stench,” Venkatesh added.
Tourism officials said they have been approaching departments concerned to address the issue. “During high tide, water level rises to eight feet, but during low tide, it dips to three feet. Sometimes the backwater is dry,” an official said. Another major issue is sewage being dumped into the canal. “Many sewage tankers discharge waste into the water bodies. Unless this is resolved, tourists won’t be keen on visiting the floating restaurant,” added the official.
A WRD official stressed the need to stop all sewage inlets into the canal and prevent trucks from dumping sewage. “We are awaiting funds to proceed. Backwaters should also be deepened,” he added.
Clearing the sandbars at the Muttukadu mouth monthly is also essential to ensure water flow. “We do this in Oct, Nov, and Dec, but we need funds to carry out the work throughout the year,” said the official.
Ezhumalai, Muttukadu panchayat secretary said that they have set up check posts to prevent trucks from dumping sewage in the canal.