The Buckingham Canal has attracted attention because of proposals to restore navigation in a central stretch of Chennai. It also has significance for urban flood management.

Key Facts

  • Runs along India's eastern coast.
  • Passes through:
    • Tamil Nadu
    • Andhra Pradesh
  • Approximately 450 km long.
  • Historically formed part of a larger inland-waterway network with the Krishna and Godavari canal systems.

History

  • Originally constructed in 1806 by Basil Cochrane.
  • Initially called Cochrane Canal.
  • Taken over by the government in 1837.
  • Became known as Buckingham Canal in 1878, after the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

Present Problems

  • Encroachment
  • Sewage pollution
  • Solid waste
  • Reduced width
  • Siltation
  • Poor maintenance

Significance

Restoration can help:

  • Inland navigation
  • Urban drainage
  • Flood management
  • Wetland/ecological restoration

Prelims Pointer: Buckingham Canal → East Coast → Tamil Nadu + Andhra Pradesh → National Waterway-4.