Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled "Chennai Citizen Connect: Captain Cotton Canal nearly choked due to garbage dumping appearing in the DT Next dated 11.05.2025".

The application was registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled Chennai Citizen Connect: Captain Cotton Canal nearly choked due to garbage dumping” appearing in the DT Next dated May 11, 2025. The news item related to the severe pollution of the Captain Cotton Canal in Chennai, which has become nearly choked due to rampant garbage dumping and untreated sewage discharge.

The situation becomes particularly dire at the stretch near Anderson road, close to the Ayanavaram bus stand, where heaps of plastic waste and garbage severely impede the water flow. In addition to solid waste, untreated raw sewage is reportedly being released directly into the canal, further degrading its condition and contributing to the destruction of this once-functional waterway. Further, in some areas of the city the waste water from corporate offices and residential areas were directly let into the water bodies and officials don't take any necessary steps for this issue, the application said.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the District Collector, Chennai was directed by the NGT, May 29, 2025 to file their reply before the southern bench of the NGT.