Chennai, Aug 22:
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), State Highways Department and other agencies have intensified pre-monsoon preparations across the city, with desilting and drainage works targeted for completion by September 30.
The works, being carried out following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, include construction and repair of stormwater drains, raising of manholes and maintenance of flood-pumping stations.
Desilting is under way across 1,671.39 km of stormwater drains, covering 1,10,082 silt catch pits and 1,08,041 drain channels. More than 11,790 tonnes of silt and invasive water hyacinth have been removed from water bodies over the past month.
The State Highways Department is undertaking drainage maintenance along another 430 km, covering around 18,000 inspection pits. Clearing operations are also being carried out at 815 minor subways, 16 major subways and 12 pedestrian subways, besides seven critical low-lying areas.
GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inspected stormwater drain construction on 3rd Avenue in Anna Nagar and reviewed monsoon preparedness and desilting works across the city’s North, Central and South regions.
The coordinated exercise is aimed at improving drainage capacity and reducing waterlogging risks ahead of the northeast monsoon.