Cooum River - A Past Glory
The Cooum River , is the famous river which ends in the city of Chennai (formerly Madras) in India on the Bay of Bengal . The river almost bisects the city. The name of Cooum appears to be derived from Tamil Literature. The word "coovalan" denotes a person who is well versed in the science of ground water, well water and stagnant water. It is also considered to be the shortest classified river draining into the Bay of Bengal and is only about 65 km long. Its source is in a place by the same name 'Koovam' in Tiruvallur district adjoining Chennai district. History Cooum is presently a river spoiled by filth and pollution and the water quality is considered to be highly toxic and completely non-potable. As early as thirty years ago recreational boats were available for leisure boating. The Annual tourism exhibition used to take tourists in the waterways until 1985. Ancient documents from the nearby temples states 'reaching salvation' on having a dip in Cooum...