Chennai Mayor Priya Rajan has directed the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to ensure the completion of storm water drain (SWD) construction by the end of September. This directive comes as part of the city’s preparations for the northeast monsoon, which is expected to begin in October.On Monday, Mayor Rajan inspected the ongoing dredging work at Padikuppam and Gandhi Nagar canals, where robotic excavators are currently in use. These advanced machines are also being deployed for the cleaning of lakes and ponds. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission savings fund, two additional robotic excavators were purchased for Rs 12.97 crore, accompanied by a five-year maintenance service from Europe costing Rs 9.82 crore.
Addressing concerns from last year’s severe flooding, Rajan assured that enhanced precautionary measures have been implemented based on expert recommendations. She also noted that CMRL’s construction activities have caused damage to SWDs at over 20 locations, which are now being repaired and interlinked to improve drainage efficiency.
The inspection was attended by Ambattur MLA Joseph Samuel, standing committee chairman G Shanthakumari, and other senior officials.