A whisper of history hangs in the air. Right here before us flows the Cooum.
The Cooum River or Koovam is one of India’s shortest rivers. It flows into the Bay of Bengal. For centuries it has been vital to Chennai’s life. It played a key role in the city’s socio-economic and cultural development. The Cooum was once a clean river. It was even navigable.
Imagine ancient times. The Cooum facilitated maritime trade. This linked the Roman Empire South India and Sri Lanka. Roman merchants frequented the ancient port of Manarpha or Mylapore. They traded Indian textiles gemstones and spices. In return India received Roman gold silver copper and wine. Archaeologists have found Roman wine jars and Roman and Chinese coins on the riverbanks. Even Pachaiyappa Mudaliar a philanthropist bathed in the Cooum before praying.
But the river’s story isn’t just about trade. The Cooum was also known as the Triplicane River. Its name possibly comes from the Tamil word coopam meaning well or deep pit. Ancient documents mention salvation from a dip in its once clean waters. Three ancient Shiva temples are located at its source. These are mentioned in the Thevaram hymns of the Saivite saint Thirugnana Sambandar.
The Cooum’s course has changed. Its source was once believed to be in Dharmapuri district. Now it’s in Tiruvallur district near Kesavaram Anaicut. From its origin to Thandurai it remains relatively unpolluted. But beyond that it’s heavily polluted until it reaches the sea. The intensive use of its water for agriculture has impacted it. Indiscriminate groundwater pumping has reduced its base flow. Untreated sewage industrial effluents and encroachment further damage it.
In 2018 alone 21665 tonnes of waste were removed. The 2004 tsunami briefly cleaned the mouth but the pollution returned quickly. Despite this many villages still use the unpolluted parts for drinking water.
The Cooum flows through Kilpauk Nungambakkam and Triplicane. It forks into two arms near Egmore. These rejoin near the Napier Bridge forming the Island Grounds. The Buckingham Canal connects to the Cooum. The river finally meets the Bay of Bengal south of Fort St George.
Today the Cooum is a shadow of its former self. But its story endures. It’s a reminder of a vibrant past a testament to Chennai’s history. And a challenge for the future. The Cooum waits to be revived. Its waters yearn to flow clean once more.