Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches ‘Eri’ portal to process online NOC applications for waterbody restoration

CM C. Joseph Vijay distributed NOCs to various NGOs during the inauguration of the portal at the Secretariat in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (November 10, 2026) launched the ‘Eri’ portal, developed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), to facilitate online applications by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteers for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to restore waterbodies across the State.

According to an official release, the portal (https://eri.tn.gov.in) was developed following requests from NGOs and volunteers who had highlighted the procedural difficulties involved in obtaining NOCs from multiple government departments to undertake waterbody restoration projects with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding.

The portal provides details of more than one lakh waterbodies under the control of five government departments on a single platform and organisations can apply online to undertake desilting, strengthening of bunds, and other permitted minor improvement works.

This system replaces the existing system of submitting applications in person. The portal introduces a transparent mechanism with time-bound decision-making, and the government aims to issue NOCs for eligible applications within 15 days, the release said.

The Chief Engineer and Director of the State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA) has been designated as the nodal officer to oversee the scrutiny of applications, monitor approvals, and coordinate with various departments.

During the inauguration of the portal at the Secretariat in Chennai, the Chief Minister also distributed NOCs to NGOs such as Siruthuli, Environmental Foundation of India, Exnora International Foundation, Mega Foundation, and Dhan Foundation to undertake restoration works.

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments S. Ramesh and Minister for Forests R.V. Ranjith Kumar, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Gagandeep Singh Bedi were among those present.