Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inspected the ongoing dredging works at the Adyar River mouth in Chennai on October 24 as heavy northeast monsoon rains continue to affect the state and a possible cyclone is forecast for October 27.Accompanied by Health Minister Ma Subramanian and senior officials, Stalin reviewed the monsoon preparedness efforts in the flood-prone Srinivasapuram area.
During his inspection, the Chief Minister instructed officials to widen and deepen the Adyar River channel to ensure smooth flow of water into the sea, aiming to prevent flooding in surrounding areas. He specifically directed the channel width at the river mouth to be increased by around 150 meters and asked that all sand heaps from dredging be removed without delay.
Stalin also ordered the formation of a joint monitoring team comprising the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Water Resources Department. This team will supervise the dredging operations and maintain continuous vigilance throughout the northeast monsoon period.
The visit comes as Chennai and several other districts have received heavy rainfall due to multiple low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal. The meteorological office predicts that a new system may intensify into Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’ around October 27, bringing more heavy showers to Chennai and coastal districts.
Officials have also begun releasing surplus water from the Chembarambakkam reservoir to manage rising inflows. Meanwhile, district administrations have been directed to ensure desilting of rainwater drains, expedite flood-control projects, and move stored goods like paddy to safe godowns.