Greater Chennai Corporation Begins Drone Survey of 44 Canals Across City

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) launched a drone survey of 44 canals across the city on Friday to prepare for the upcoming northeast monsoon. Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inaugurated the exercise at the starting point of the Kodungaiyur North Canal in Muthamizh Nagar 2nd Block, located in the Tondiarpet zone.

The aerial survey will cover canals spanning a total length of 81.81 km. Key watercourses included in the project are the Kodungaiyur, Veerangal Odai, Mambalam, Otteri Nullah, Virugambakkam, Captain Cotton, Trustpuram, Rettai Kuppam, Pallikaranai, and Secretariat Colony canals.

According to civic officials, the survey aims to scientifically evaluate the accumulation of silt, garbage, garden waste, water hyacinth, and other obstructions before desilting and clearing operations begin.

Surveys were initially taken up along the Kodungaiyur North Canal, Veerangal Odai, and West Mambalam Canal. The Corporation is deploying four to five drones each day, assigning specific stretches to each unit as the work progresses in phases. Systematic monitoring will track the progress and data collection throughout the exercise.

Visuals, videos, and geographical data recorded by the drones will be compiled into a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based database and maps reflecting current canal conditions. The Corporation plans to use the findings to prioritize pre-monsoon tasks, including clearing blockages, carrying out repairs on damaged stretches, and maintaining uninterrupted water flow.

Zonal Officer A. Rajkumar and Executive Engineer S. Harinath were present during the launch of the survey.