Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has initiated the foundation for the Mammallan reservoir project, near Nemmeli, aimed at bolstering Chennai’s water supply infrastructure. The project, costing an estimated Rs 342.60 crore, is expected to significantly contribute to addressing the city’s growing demand for drinking water.
The Mammallan reservoir will be the sixth dam serving Chennai, complementing other sources like Poondi, Cholavaram, Puzhal, Chembarambakkam, and Kannankottai-Thervoy Kandigai, along with desalination plants and the Veeranam lake. Named after Pallava emperor Narasimhavarman I, the reservoir is located in Mamallapuram.
The project’s goal is to store surplus floodwater from 69 lakes currently flowing into the sea, providing 17 crore litres of water per day throughout Chennai and suburbs. The state’s Water Resources Department confirms it obtained the necessary Coastal Regulation Zone clearance in 2025.