Chennai monsoon works set for September-end completion deadline

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar has directed officials to complete all monsoon preparedness works in Chennai by the end of September, while ensuring that ongoing projects do not inconvenience residents. The instruction came during his inspection of rainwater drainage, canal and waterbody improvement works across the Adyar, Perungudi and Sholinganallur zones on Saturday.

Sai Kumar specifically asked officials to clear water hyacinth and silt that are obstructing the natural flow of rainwater through canals and culverts. He stressed the need for coordinated action among multiple agencies, including the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Water Resources Department, the Highways Department, Chennai Metro Rail and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

During the inspection in Adyar, the Chief Secretary reviewed the construction of a stormwater drain near Tidel Park, being built at a cost of ₹13.52 crore. The 660-metre drain, designed with two water passages of 3 m x 3 m each, is intended to carry rainwater from the IIT-Madras area to the Buckingham Canal.

In Perungudi, he inspected canal improvement works in Mylai Balaji Nagar, Ward 188. Work has been completed over stretches of 235 metres and 207 metres at costs of ₹6.48 crore and ₹8.68 crore respectively. Officials have been directed to finish the remaining 110 metres. These canals are designed to channel rainwater towards the Pallikaranai marsh via the Velachery-Medavakkam Road canal, which is expected to prevent water stagnation in Ram Nagar (South), Kubera Nagar and Sadasivam Nagar.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the removal of water hyacinth at Narayanapuram Lake and along the road connecting Radial Road to the Perungudi dump yard, including around 17 culverts that carry rainwater into the Buckingham Canal.

In Sholinganallur, he assessed a ₹73-crore drainage project near Thoraipakkam on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, which aims to carry water from the Pallikaranai marsh to the Buckingham Canal. He also inspected ongoing Metro Rail work at the Okkiyam Maduvu canal.