Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launches 'Eri' portal for restoration of water bodies

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated a new portal named 'Eri' on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The primary objective of this portal is to simplify and digitise the process of applying for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteers for the restoration of water bodies across the state.

According to a report by The Hindu, the portal has been developed by the Water Resources Department (WRD). As per government records, several NGOs and volunteers had previously faced numerous procedural difficulties in obtaining NOCs from various government departments to undertake water body restoration projects through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. This digital platform has been developed to address these issues.

Details of over 1 lakh water bodies under the control of five different government departments have been made available at a single point on this portal (https://eri.tn.gov.in). Organisations can now apply online through this portal to undertake activities such as desilting, strengthening of embankments, and other approved minor improvement works.

This new system will now replace the old method, where applications had to be submitted in person. According to the government, a transparent mechanism has been introduced through this portal, which will feature a time-bound decision-making process. The government aims to issue NOCs for eligible applications within 15 days.

To manage the entire process, the Chief Engineer and Director of the State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA) have been appointed as the Nodal Officer. They will be responsible for verifying applications, monitoring approvals, and coordinating with various government departments.

During the inauguration ceremony held at the Secretariat in Chennai, the Chief Minister distributed NOCs for restoration work to organisations including Siruthuli, Environmental Foundation of India, XNOORA International Foundation, Mega Foundation, and Dhan Foundation.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments S. Ramesh, Forest Minister R.V. Ranjith Kumar, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, and Additional Chief Secretary for Municipal Administration and Water Supply Gagandeep Singh Bedi.