Chennau, Aug 31:
With the Northeast monsoon approaching, the Greater Chennai Corporation has stepped up precautionary works in Valasaravakkam Zone, focusing on stormwater drains, canals and other flood-mitigation infrastructure.
Regional monitoring officer Dr J Vijayarani inspected various ongoing works in the zone on Sunday and directed officials to complete them before the onset of the Northeast monsoon. She also instructed officials to keep motor pumps, machinery and vehicles ready to respond to flooding and waterlogging.
Among the key works inspected was the construction of a retaining wall along the Virugambakkam Canal in Ward 148. Officials are also undertaking stormwater drain works along Arcot Road and near Porur Junction.
Drainage-related works are also being carried out along Mount-Poonamallee Road, particularly at locations where Chennai Metro Rail-related construction is under way. The authorities are rebuilding stormwater drains at such locations to ensure that rainwater is not obstructed during heavy showers.
Desilting work is also under way along the Nandambakkam Canal. The removal of silt and other obstructions is expected to improve the carrying capacity of the waterway during periods of intense rainfall.
The inspection assumes significance as several parts of Valasaravakkam, Virugambakkam and adjoining areas have experienced waterlogging during heavy rain in previous monsoon seasons.
Officials were directed to complete the pending works at the earliest and ensure that all equipment required for emergency response remains operational and readily available.
The Corporation has been accelerating monsoon preparedness across Chennai, including desilting canals and waterbodies, clearing stormwater drains and strengthening flood-prevention infrastructure.
The civic body has set a target of completing major preparedness works by the end of September or the first week of October, according to a recent review by senior officials.