Poondi reservoir

Poondi Reservoir is a water storage facility on the Kotralai River in Tiruvallur that collects and holds water for the surrounding region. It connects to Sholavaram Lake through a canal system that delivers water to the Chennai metropolitan area.

The project was built between 1944 and 1959 as a critical water infrastructure for growing Chennai. Its construction required moving an ancient temple that dated back to the Chola period.

The reservoir carries the name of Sundara Sastri Sathyamurthy, a former Madras mayor who worked to bring river water to the city. Today, it shapes daily life for millions who depend on its water supply.

The site is best visited during cooler months when water levels are more stable. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for rural surroundings without extensive tourist facilities.

During the 2015 monsoon, the reservoir experienced extraordinary water inflows after remaining dry for weeks, then suddenly swelled with heavy rainfall. This dramatic shift highlighted how nature's water supply can be unpredictable and crucial for the region.