ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE RIVER COOUM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POLLUTION

CASE STUDY

TEAM
Mukilarasan v - 2021115066
ADITHYA R U – 2021115007
PRAVEEN M – 2021115075
SARAVANA KUMAR – 2021115319
BALAJI J - 2021115323
ORIGIN

The Cooum river, or simply Koovam, is one of the shortest classified rivers draining
into the Bay of Bengal. This river is about 72 km (45 mi) in length, flowing 32 km (20 mi) in
the city of Chennai (urban part) and the rest in rural part. The river is highly polluted in the
urban area (Chennai).
According to scientists, around 1950, Cooum had 49 species of fish, and by the late
1970s, this was reduced to 21 species. However, on date, there are no fish in the river, owing
to highly toxic pollutants found in the river water.
The Cooum was earlier known as the Triplicane river. The name of Cooum appears to
be derived from Tamil literature. The name may have been derived from the Tamil
term coopam meaning 'well' or 'deep pit'.[4] The word coovalan denotes a person who is well
versed in the science of ground water, well water and stagnant water.
Once this river was said to have its origin in Dharmapuri district, but now due to
some earth table changes, it has shortened its course to Thiruvallur district. Ancient
documents from the nearby temple’s states about one 'reaching salvation' on having a dip in
the Cooum. The Cooum river was then clean and unpolluted.

POLLUTION
The river is narrow, placid, slow, and meandering. The river is primarily fed by
discharge from tank and water bodies and has seen a steady drop in freshwater over the
years, a primary reason for its present-day condition. However, the core problem of the
Cooum has been that due to the sand bar, the river mouth near the Napier Bridge gets
blocked for most of the time, preventing the river water from draining into the sea. This has,
eventually, made the river, in its 18-km-long stretch in the central district, a stinking
cesspool.
Tests of water samples reveals almost zero dissolved oxygen and substantial presence
of faecal coliform bacteria, besides heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and cadmium.

The above image clearly depicts the polluted Cooum river near the slum areas

The Cooum River, located in Chennai, India, has been subject to significant pollution
over the years. Various factors have contributed to its pollution, including:

Sewage Drainage:
The Cooum River faces pollution due to the direct discharge of untreated sewage and
wastewater. Chennai's rapidly growing population and urbanization have put a strain on the
existing sewage infrastructure. As a result, many households, industries, and commercial
establishments discharge their sewage directly into the river without proper treatment. This
practice introduces harmful bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants into the water,
posing risks to both human health and the environment.
Industrial effluents:
Industries located along the Cooum River often release untreated or partially treated
effluents into the water. These effluents can contain a variety of pollutants, including toxic
chemicals, heavy metals, oils, and organic compounds. Without adequate treatment, these
substances can severely degrade water quality, harm aquatic life, and disrupt the river's
ecological balance. Factors contributing to this issue include inadequate industrial waste
treatment facilities, lax enforcement of environmental regulations, and the lack of
awareness regarding responsible waste disposal practices.

Solid waste disposal:

Improper solid waste management practices are a major contributor to the pollution
of the Cooum River. Many individuals and communities dispose of their garbage and solid
waste directly into the river or its surroundings. This includes plastics, paper, food waste, and
other materials that do not readily decompose. The accumulation of solid waste not only
pollutes the water but also obstructs the river's natural flow, leading to stagnant water and
the creation of breeding grounds for disease-carrying organisms.
Encroachments and illegal activities:
The Cooum River has faced encroachments, where individuals or communities illegally
occupy the riverbanks for residential or commercial purposes. These encroachments often result
in the construction of unauthorized buildings and structures, further blocking the natural flow of
the river. Additionally, illegal activities such as sand mining in the riverbed have had a
detrimental impact on the river's ecology. Sand mining alters the river's course, erodes its banks,
and disrupts the natural sediment balance, exacerbating pollution issues.

The above image clearly represents the illegal sandmining process in Cooum river
bed, which causes high imbalance in the ecosystem.

Agricultural runoff:
The excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in agricultural
practices contributes to the pollution of the Cooum River. When farmers apply these
substances to their fields, rainfall or irrigation can cause them to wash off and enter nearby
water bodies, including the river. Agricultural runoff carries pollutants such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, and pesticides, which degrade water quality, promote the growth of harmful
algae, and harm aquatic organisms. The impacts of agricultural runoff are particularly
pronounced during heavy rainfall or flooding events.

Lack of awareness and environmental consciousness:

A lack of awareness and environmental consciousness among the public has played a
significant role in the pollution of the Cooum River. Many people may not be aware of the
detrimental consequences of their actions, such as improper waste disposal or
encroachments on the riverbanks. Insufficient knowledge about sustainable practices,
limited access to waste management infrastructure, and a lack of environmental education
contribute to the ongoing pollution problem. Raising awareness, promoting environmental
education, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the river are crucial to addressing
the pollution issues in the long term.

Efforts to address the pollution of the Cooum River require a comprehensive approach that
involves improving sewage treatment infrastructure, implementing stricter regulations on
industrial waste discharge, promoting responsible solid waste management practices,
addressing encroachments and illegal activities, implementing sustainable agricultural
practices, and conducting awareness campaigns to foster environmental consciousness. It is
a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industries,
communities, and individuals to restore and maintain the health of the Cooum River.

Efforts taken by the government to clean-up the Cooum

According to the records available with the state public department, efforts to
restore the waterway first began back in 1872 under the British. The earliest recorded
proposal was mooted in 1890. After Independence, the then chief minister C. N. Annadurai
launched a Cooum Improvement Scheme at a cost of ₹ 19 million in September 1967.

In February 1973, when Karunanidhi was chief minister, he launched a pleasure boat
service at a cost of ₹ 22 million, and roving boats, powered boats and paddle boats were
made available at a nominal charge. However, the efforts went futile when the sand pump
developed snags. Incidentally, the jetties built for the purpose still dot the riverfront.
 In 1996, the government made another bid—this time covering all important
watercourses, including the Buckingham Canal and the Adyar. This resulted in the
implementation of the ₹ 12,000-million Chennai City River Conservation Project (CCRCP) in
January 2001, which was substantially supported by the Union Environment and Forests
Ministry. This time, the new project aimed at arresting the sewage outfalls and
strengthening the sewer network. However, this too did not yield the desired results since
the project did not cover Tiruvallur district, which accounts for 54 kilometres (34 mi) of the
river stretch.
In May 2006, the eco-restoration of the Cooum again came to the fore. To facilitate
the implementation of the project, the Chennai River Authority, headed by the deputy Chief
minister, was formed in December 2009 to clean up the entire stretch of the river within 10
years. This aimed at coordinating the implementation of various projects.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) started flushing a 30-kilometre (19 mi)
stretch of the Cooum in December 2010, initially discharging about 5.7 cubic metres per
second (200 cu ft/s) of surplus water from the Poondi reservoir into the river.
In September 2011, the WRD began cleaning the river at a cost of ₹ 10.2 million and
the work is expected to be completed within a fortnight.
In 2012, the government allotted ₹ 3,000 million towards construction of 337
sewage cleaning systems in the waterways in the city, including 105 locations in the Cooum
river. Others include 49 points in Adyar river and 183 locations in the Buckingham Canal.
A team from Chennai has visited San Antonio in Texas to see how they successfully
did the clean-up of a polluted river. The team comprised former Deputy Chief Minister M. K.
Stalin, former Chennai Mayor M. Subramaniam, and other senior officers. One of the city's
dream projects is to clean up this river on or before 2020.
 The initiative has been taken up by the Central and State governments to clean up
the river and rediscover the pleasures of traditional boat racing. The Chennai Rivers
Restoration Trust (CRRT) has asked the Chennai Corporation to chalk out an action plan to
remove construction debris dumped on the banks of the river.

Preventive Measures
To prevent pollution in the Cooum River, several measures can be taken. Here are
some key strategies:

1. Improved sewage treatment: Upgrading and expanding sewage treatment

infrastructure is crucial to prevent the direct discharge of untreated sewage into the river.
Implementing effective sewage treatment plants, ensuring their proper operation and
maintenance, and connecting households and industries to these systems are essential
steps. Proper treatment of sewage will significantly reduce the pollution load on the river.

2. Industrial waste management: Implementing stringent regulations and

enforcement mechanisms for industries to treat and properly dispose of their effluents is
essential. Regular monitoring of industrial units, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and
promoting sustainable practices such as recycling and reusing wastewater can significantly
reduce industrial pollution in the Cooum River.

3. Solid waste management: Effective solid waste management practices are critical
to preventing the accumulation of waste in and around the river. This includes setting up
waste collection systems, promoting segregation of waste at the source, establishing
recycling and waste treatment facilities, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate
the public about proper waste disposal methods. Emphasizing the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"
approach can help minimize waste generation and promote a cleaner environment.

4. Riverbank restoration and protection: Taking measures to restore and protect the
riverbanks is vital. Encroachments on the riverbanks should be addressed through
appropriate legal actions and urban planning. Restoration efforts can include creating green
spaces, planting trees and vegetation, and implementing erosion control measures to
stabilize the riverbanks. These actions help prevent soil erosion, maintain the natural flow of
the river, and protect the ecosystem.

5. Regulation and enforcement: Strengthening environmental regulations and ensuring their

effective enforcement is crucial. Regular monitoring, inspections, and audits of industries,
construction sites, and waste management practices are necessary to identify and rectify
sources of pollution. Implementing strict penalties for non-compliance and encouraging
public participation in reporting violations can act as deterrents against pollution.

6. Promoting sustainable agriculture: Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable

agricultural practices can help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus
minimizing agricultural runoff into the Cooum River. Providing training and support for
implementing organic farming techniques, promoting efficient irrigation methods, and
creating awareness about the harmful effects of chemical inputs can contribute to healthier
agricultural practices.

7. Public awareness and community participation: Educating the public about the
importance of preserving the Cooum River and its ecosystem is crucial. Conducting
awareness campaigns, organizing community clean-up drives, and involving local
communities in the restoration and conservation efforts can foster a sense of ownership and
responsibility. Public participation plays a significant role in preventing pollution and
ensuring the long-term health of the river.

8. Integrated water resource management: Implementing integrated water resource

management practices can help ensure the sustainable use and conservation of the Cooum
River. This includes promoting rainwater harvesting, managing stormwater runoff effectively,
and encouraging efficient water use in households, industries, and agriculture. Such
measures can reduce the strain on the river and help maintain its ecological balance.

Addressing pollution in the Cooum River requires a combination of regulatory

measures, infrastructure development, public participation, and behavioural changes. It is
essential to adopt a holistic approach involving the cooperation and collaboration of various
stakeholders, including government agencies, industries, communities, and individuals, to
effectively prevent pollution and restore the river's health.