PWD sources said that considering the fact that the link canals would serve the purpose in terms of saving water, it would also put an end to flooding, as excess water in the lakes would be released to low-level lakes whenever required. 

A senior engineer at the WRD, Palar Basin Circle, told DT Next that “it is a fact that every lake, tank and reservoir would have surplus canals. While all lakes have surplus channels, there are no link canals.” 

The engineer also added that they were taking all measures to improve water resources and prevent natural calamities. “After the government sanctions funds, works will be in full swing. The cost of the project will be Rs 75 crore.” 

“We found that an existing link canal, created decades ago between Poondi reservoir and Chembarambakkam lake, was in a shambles. We took up temporary renovation works. However, the link canal will get facelift as soon as new canal project goes on stream,” said another engineer, requesting anonymity.