Tamil Nadu Launches Eri Portal for Waterbody Restoration

The Tamil Nadu government has launched the Eri portal to issue online No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to NGOs and volunteers undertaking waterbody restoration across the state. Developed by the Water Resources Department, the portal replaces manual applications and aims to process eligible proposals within 15 days.

Application process and portal features

Organisations can use the portal to identify waterbodies, submit restoration proposals, seek permissions, track applications and document completed work. A centralised database brings together details of more than one lakh waterbodies managed by five government departments. Eligible activities include desilting, strengthening bunds and carrying out permitted minor improvements.

The Chief Engineer and Director of the State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA) is the nodal officer for application screening, approval tracking and coordination between departments. At the launch, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay handed the first online NOCs to representatives of Siruthuli, the Environmental Foundation of India, Exnora International Foundation, Mega Foundation and Dhan Foundation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Repair versus conservation: Ecological restoration seeks to repair already damaged ecosystems, whereas conservation focuses on preventative measures.
• Setting restoration targets: Ecological restoration targets can reflect degradation, achievable ecosystem function, local community views and the costs of restoration.
• Dredging sequence: Dredging proceeds through four stages: loosening material, extracting it, transporting it and disposing of it.