As the northeast monsoon approaches, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is stepping up its preparedness by addressing two critical issues that plagued the city last year: clogged storm drains and poor communication networks.
It has announced measures to ensure smooth coordination between civic bodies and citizens. “We faced serious problems in communication last year, and we want to be more prepared this time. The volunteers will monitor their areas and help the residents as well as the officials,” said the Corporation official.
The Corporation is in talks with several telecom companies to resolve connectivity issues that may arise during the monsoon. If an agreement is reached, these companies will establish direct communication with the GCC’s Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), to facilitate updates on road conditions, relief measures, and safety instructions.
During the 2023 flood, widespread problems in the network caused many areas to be unable to update essential and emergency services. To prevent this from happening again, the GCC has launched a volunteer initiative where local representatives will be the point of contact for the neighbourhood. They will transmit real-time information and coordinate with officials to ensure that aid reaches the right place at the right time, sources at the ICCC said.
Main topic
In a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday, Kosasthalaiyar was the main topic discussed, according to officials. “The GCC and the Water Resources Department (WRD) have solved the problem of desilting canals and drains before the rains. Kosasthalaiyar, which is under the control of the WRD, and the storm water drain running parallel to it must be cleared of silt and debris at the same time to prevent stagnation water. Storm water drains are managed by the Corporation. If only sewers and drains are hidden, can we ensure that Zones 1, 2, and 3 remain flood-free,” the official said.
The canal, which connects to RK Nagar, is essential to regulate the flow of water in the wider area. If it is not clear, the floods will continue not only in Tondiarpet and Royapuram but also in the downstream areas. So steps are being taken to clear the mud, the official added.
Waiting for relief
Although the storm water drainage project has made significant progress in the city core, with more than 80% of the work completed, residents in remote areas await relief. The GCC acknowledges that some points of disposal and missing links still need to be addressed. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is aware of the highly vulnerable areas where high capacity pumps will be installed.
Based on last year’s experience, the GCC has identified 35 locations as flood hotspots. Areas like Vetri Vinayagar Nagar in Thiruvottiyur Zone (I), Edyanchawadi in Manali Zone (II), and Bojaraja Nagar in Royapuram Zone (V) are among the areas that reported heavy floods last year. The GCC said it will monitor the location this year and take precautionary measures.
Zonal meeting
Residents in some of the most affected areas in the past year have been vocal in their demands. At the zonal meeting for Adyar, the representative of Tansi Nagar in Velachery shared his experience. TD Babu of SPARK, a civic forum, said, “Sludge pits and storm water drains must be cleaned; illegal sewage connections must be stopped; and illegal outlets to waterbodies must be plugged. Illegal basements must be closed. Calls to helplines are not attended quickly; this affects senior citizens. Therefore, the help channel should be applied specifically to the elderly.
“Water from the Velachery lake entered our houses, and we were stranded for days. Residents want the lake to be dammed to hold more water,” he said.
In Kanagam, near Central Polytechnic College, residents said their neighborhood would turn into a virtual island during heavy rains. “We need a proper drainage system so that we are not marooned every year,” said the resident. Representatives from other areas expressed concern about power lines running above storm water drains. “These cables should be installed on the ground. When it rains, water flows over the cables, causing serious danger,” said a resident.
Encroachments
The problem of encroachments along water channels was again highlighted in the zonal meeting for Ambattur and Anna Nagar on October 5. The canal running from Anna Nagar to Ambattur and then to Jawaharlal Nehru Road has become a problem. Buildings built over canals have blocked the flow of water, causing massive flooding in nearby areas.
“Encroachments are a long-standing problem, and we have heard about their removal for years, but nothing much has changed,” said JMS Nagaraj from the Anna Nagar Western Extension Association.
Published – 06 October 2024 11:28 IST
