Rs 5,166 crore allocated for SWD in Chennai, says KN Nehru

In a recent revelation, Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru disclosed that a substantial sum of Rs 5,166 crore was earmarked for stormwater drain (SWD) construction in Chennai. However, as of now, only Rs 2,191 crore has been utilized to complete the construction and interlinking work of these drains, leaving a significant portion of the allocated funds untapped. The disclosure came in response to accusations from the opposition party AIADMK, which alleged that the state government had expended Rs 4,000 crore on SWDs across the city. The scrutiny intensified following recent bouts of heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Michaung, resulting in widespread inundation and severe repercussions for the residents. Minister Nehru clarified, “The state government has allocated Rs 5,166 crore and not Rs 4,000 crore. However, only Rs 2,191 crore has been spent so far on completing the construction and interlinking work of stormwater drains in the city.” He further assured that the pending work is slated to resume after the conclusion of the northeast monsoon in the state. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena provided an update on the restoration efforts in the aftermath of the cyclone. He stated that, with a few exceptions, power supply has been fully restored across the city. Notably, in areas such as Mylapore, Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, and Ponneri, power restoration hinges on the complete removal of stagnant water. Addressing the media, CS Meena highlighted specific areas grappling with severe impact, including Pallikaranai, Mudichur, RK Nagar, Kolathur, Manali, and Kolathur. Urgent measures have been initiated to drain the accumulated rainwater from these locations. CS Meena reassured the public by stating, “The power supply has been completely restored in five zones – Thiru Vi ka Nagar, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, and Kodambakkam zones. However, some areas in North Chennai have minor issues, and they will be addressed soon.” He added tha