Adyar River: Origin, Course, Adyar Estuary and Chennai Flood Management

Category: Geography → Rivers → Urban Environment

Why in News?

The Adyar River was in the news in August 2026 in connection with cleaning, flood management and improvement of riverine areas in Chennai.

Key Facts

  • Located in Tamil Nadu.
  • Flows through Chennai.
  • Originates near Chembarambakkam Lake.
  • Length: approximately 42.5 km.
  • Drains into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Its mouth forms the Adyar Estuary.
  • Adyar Creek near the mouth is influenced by tidal waters.
  • It receives surplus water from numerous tanks, lakes and drainage channels.

UPSC Significance

The river is important for understanding:

  • Urban flooding
  • Wetland conservation
  • Estuarine ecosystems
  • Chennai's drainage system
  • River pollution

Key Pointers

Chembarambakkam → Adyar River → Chennai → Adyar Estuary → Bay of Bengal