Former AIADMK minister D Jayakumar lashed out at the ruling DMK government on Wednesday, accusing it of inadequate preparation for the ongoing Northeast monsoon, which has led to severe water stagnation in several parts of Chennai and its suburbs. Despite just a single spell of rain on Tuesday, several areas were submerged, exposing the flaws in the city’s stormwater drainage system, according to Jayakumar.
Speaking to reporters, Jayakumar criticised the DMK administration’s focus on “publicity over preparedness,” citing that even Kolathur and Chepauk-Triplicane constituencies—represented by Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, respectively—experienced knee-deep water stagnation. “If the depression turns into a cyclone, the DMK government will be completely exposed,” he warned.
Jayakumar pointed out the inefficiencies in the city’s stormwater drain system, alleging that sewage was mixing with rainwater in various areas, worsening the situation. He also questioned the inconsistent figures provided by the government regarding the completion of drain work and expressed disappointment that after three years in office, the DMK government had yet to deliver a permanent solution to the city’s flooding woes.
The former minister further claimed that the public’s confidence in the government’s ability to manage drainage and flood mitigation had been shaken, with many residents choosing to park their cars on flyovers to avoid waterlogged streets. “Even in areas that received just 6 cm of rainfall, waterlogging was a significant issue. This shows the government’s failure to act on the Thirupugazh Committee’s recommendations,” he said.