Chennai, Aug 26:
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 42 crore to the Water Resources Department for carrying out precautionary works ahead of the northeast monsoon in Chennai and four other districts that are among the most vulnerable to heavy seasonal rainfall.
The Water Resources Department has issued a Government Order sanctioning the funds for monsoon preparedness works in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Cuddalore districts.
These districts are frequently affected by heavy rains and flooding during the northeast monsoon, prompting the government to undertake annual preventive measures to improve the carrying capacity of rivers, canals and other watercourses.
Under the new allocation, desilting and other maintenance works will be carried out at 202 locations across the five districts.
The works will cover major water bodies and waterways, including the Adyar river, Cooum river, Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Kosasthalaiyar, Araniyar, Palar and Vellar, among others.
In the Greater Chennai region, 76 works will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 22.70 crore. The remaining 126 works in other areas will be carried out at a cost of Rs 19.30 crore.
The desilting operations are expected to focus on removing accumulated silt, debris and other obstructions from rivers and waterways to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater during the monsoon.
The allocation is part of the State government’s annual preparedness exercise ahead of the northeast monsoon, which is the principal rainy season for Chennai and several northern and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.
With the Water Resources Department beginning works at 202 locations, the focus is expected to be on strengthening flood mitigation measures and reducing the risk of water stagnation and inundation in vulnerable areas before the onset of heavy rains.