The Cholavaram Tank existed even before 1871, with a small capacity and a short bund. As part of the construction of the Thamaraipakkam Anicut for the Madras City Water Supply, the tank was raised to its present level.
This reservoir receives water from its own catchment area, the Poochikklal Channel, the Kattangal Channel, and water from the Poondi Reservoir via the Baby Canal, which joins the Upper Supply Channel. The Cholavaram Tank primarily serves as a balancing reservoir between the Thamaraipakkam Anicut and the Redhills Tank, playing a crucial role in supplying water to Chennai City.
