Following intense spells of rainfall from the southwest monsoon this June and July, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena conducted inspections of stormwater drains and other monsoon-related works at 15 locations across the city on Saturday.Speaking to reporters, Meena noted that Chennai, which typically does not receive significant rainfall during the southwest monsoon, has experienced rain levels comparable to the northeast monsoon. From June 15 to the present, the city has received an overall 28 cm of rain, with some areas such as Sholinganallur recording around 42 cm and Kodambakkam 37 cm.
As a result of the unexpected heavy rains, monsoon preparedness activities, usually scheduled later in the year before the northeast monsoon, have been expedited. On Friday, Meena held a meeting with district collectors across the state to review rain preparedness measures. A special meeting was also chaired in Chennai on Saturday, involving key departments such as the city corporation, Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and the Water Resources Department.
“Usually these meetings are held ahead of the northeast monsoon, but now we have advanced them for the southwest monsoon showers to ensure we are ready for rain at all times. Instructions have been given to carry out specific tasks in Chennai and other parts of the state,” Meena stated.
In line with the announcements made in the assembly, three permanent disaster management centres will be established in Chennai and its suburbs within the next two months. Additionally, the city corporation will set up 19 relief centres ahead of the monsoon, which will be fully stocked with essential supplies.
The Chennai city corporation has also initiated work to install permanent pumps in areas such as Adyar to drain water from low-lying areas in case of flooding.