Tamil Nadu ERI Website Launched: Apply Online for Waterbody Restoration NOC

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has launched the ERI website to encourage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteers to participate in the restoration of lakes and other water bodies across the state. The online platform has been developed by the Water Resources Department to simplify the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for restoration activities.

The website, available at https://eri.tn.gov.in, was launched at the Secretariat on November 10, 2026. During the event, the Chief Minister also handed over NOCs to representatives of five NGOs for undertaking waterbody restoration work.

ERI Website to Simplify the NOC Application Process

NGOs and volunteers interested in restoring water bodies, including through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, previously faced procedural difficulties while obtaining approvals from multiple government departments.

Following requests to simplify this process, the Water Resources Department developed the ERI website. The platform aims to provide a transparent and convenient online system for submitting applications and obtaining the required clearances.

Details of More Than One Lakh Water Bodies Available

The website brings together information on more than one lakh water bodies under the control of five government departments. Applicants can use the platform to seek permission for activities such as desilting, strengthening lake and waterbody banks, and carrying out permitted minor improvement works.

These activities are intended to improve water storage capacity and the overall functioning of water bodies.

NOC Approval Target Within 15 Days

The new online system replaces the existing direct application process with a more transparent, time-bound method of processing applications. The government aims to issue NOCs for eligible applications within 15 days.

The platform is also expected to improve coordination between government departments, CSR funding organisations and volunteers. The Chief Engineer and Director of the State Water Resources Management Agency (SWaRMA) has been appointed to oversee application review, approval tracking and departmental coordination.

Five NGOs Receive NOCs from the Chief Minister

During the launch event, Chief Minister Vijay handed over NOCs to representatives of the following five organisations to carry out waterbody restoration activities:

- Siruthuli

- Environmental Foundation of India (EFI)

- Exnora International Foundation

- Mega Foundation

- Dhan Foundation

The ERI website is expected to make the approval process easier and encourage greater participation from NGOs and volunteers in restoring Tamil Nadu`s lakes and other water resources.