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The 'Cooum River' is the famous river which ends in the city of Chennai (formerly Madras) in southern India on the Bay of Bengal. The river almost bisects the city.
It is also considered to be the shortest classified river draining into the Bay of Bengal and is only about 64 kms long. Its source is in a place by the same name 'Koovam' in Tiruvallur district adjoining Chennai district.

Contents

History

Pollution

External links

History

Cooum is presently a river spoiled by filth and pollution and the water quality is considered to be highly toxic and completely non-potable. As early as thirty years ago recreational boats were available for leisure boating. The Annual tourism exhibition used to take tourists in the waterways until 1985. Ancient documents from the nearby temples states 'reaching salvation' on having a dip in Cooum. The 2004 tsunami cleaned the mouth of the river - but the pollution is back with in a short period.

Pollution

The river is narrow, placid, slow and meandering. It is also heavily polluted with sewage from the slums on its banks, business effluents and plastic bags. Due to its narrowness and several illegal hutments along its banks, it has not been recently desilted, which has closed it to river traffic.

External links

★ ABC Waterways of Chennai

★ District Profile - Rivers