As part of its monsoon preparedness efforts, the Greater Chennai Corporation has acquired 36 boats to handle potential flooding during the upcoming northeast monsoon season. The boats were distributed strategically across different zones, with Zone 3 (Madhavaram) receiving one boat and Zone 14 (Perungudi) being allocated two boats on Thursday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecasted that rainfall activity during this year’s northeast monsoon will likely range from normal to slightly above normal. In response, the Corporation has ramped up its precautionary measures to mitigate risks and ensure preparedness for possible heavy rainfall and waterlogging, which have been recurrent issues in Chennai during the monsoon.
The northeast monsoon, which typically begins by the end of October, is expected to bring weather systems over the sea that will impact various districts in northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. To combat any potential flood-related challenges, the Corporation has taken proactive steps by bolstering its infrastructure and readiness across the city.
Among the key initiatives is the appointment of 15 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, each assigned to oversee the monsoon preparedness of a specific zone within the Corporation. These officers are tasked with monitoring preparedness, coordinating relief efforts, and overseeing mitigation measures to ensure an organized response to any adverse weather conditions.
The Greater Chennai Corporation is focusing on a comprehensive approach across all its zones. This includes:
Detailed mapping and analysis of zones prone to waterlogging and flooding.
Institutional Arrangements: Pre-positioning of human resources, materials, and equipment for rapid deployment in case of emergencies.
Enhancing the readiness of civic staff and training for effective response and relief operations.
Ensuring that all key departments and stakeholders, including health, traffic, and emergency response teams, are well-prepared.
Coordinated traffic management plans and deployment of resources in key areas that experience frequent water stagnation during heavy rains.
Ensuring that relief materials and medical aid are readily available in the event of severe flooding.
In a bid to strengthen the city’s flood mitigation efforts, the Greater Chennai Corporation is also seeking the assistance of Community Development Volunteers. Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran has made a public call for volunteers to register at the official civic website to aid the Corporation during potential flood events. Volunteers will be involved in various activities including community outreach, assisting in evacuation operations, and coordinating relief distribution.