Tamil Nadu Sets August Deadline for Stormwater Drain Works Near Adyar River

The Tamil Nadu government has directed officials to complete all ongoing stormwater drain works across Chennai by an August deadline to ensure flood preparedness ahead of the upcoming northeast monsoon. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner G S Sameeran evaluated these monsoon precautionary measures, which include clearing critical bottlenecks where waterways discharge into the Adyar River, the Cooum River, and the Buckingham Canal.

During the evaluation of these key infrastructure projects, Commissioner Sameeran emphasised that officials must place a special focus on connecting missing links in the city's stormwater drain network. This directive aims to establish a fully integrated drainage network before the heavy monsoon rains arrive later in the year.

In addition to connecting the missing drain links, the civic body will undertake the reconstruction of flood protection walls and the desiltation of local canals and ponds. Commissioner Sameeran ordered continuous desilting operations across more than one lakh silt catch pits. These silt catch pits are specifically designed to block garbage and ensure the unobstructed, free flow of rainwater through the city's drainage system.

According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, continuous desilting operations must also be carried out across all 44 major waterways in the city to prevent flooding.

Furthermore, officials have been instructed to identify and clear blocks at crucial bottlenecks where stormwater drains meet canals. This measure is intended to prevent waterlogging in local neighbourhoods and facilitate a smooth flow of rainwater where the waterways discharge into the Adyar River, the Cooum River, and the Buckingham Canal. The overall effort is aimed at ensuring the entire drainage system functions efficiently before the August deadline.