Chennai, Sept 25:
The Greater Chennai Corporation has identified 219 vulnerable locations across the city that are prone to waterlogging during heavy rainfall and has made arrangements to deploy pumps at these locations ahead of the Northeast monsoon.
Corporation Commissioner Dr G.S. Sameeran said works were progressing in 44 canals maintained by the civic body, including the Captain Cotton Canal and Otteri Nullah. Desilting work was also under way in 13 major waterways maintained by the Water Resources Department.
He said desilting was being carried out at the Adyar estuary, a dynamic water body where sediment accumulation and tidal conditions can influence the movement of floodwater. The Adyar river can normally receive around 35,000 to 40,000 cusecs of water, while flows of up to around 70,000 cusecs have been recorded during major floods, he said.
The Corporation has kept 215 relief centres and 111 kitchens ready as part of its monsoon preparedness measures. Around 3,500 volunteers have registered through the Namma Chennai app to assist with control room operations, flood relief activities, kitchens, relief centres and medical services.
According to the Commissioner, the vulnerable locations were identified based on previous flooding patterns, including areas along the Old Mahabalipuram Road and East Coast Road. In locations where Metro Rail construction has affected stormwater drainage, the Corporation has planned alternative pumping arrangements to drain accumulated rainwater.
The Corporation has also intensified measures to prevent the spread of dengue. Dr. Sameeran said the number of positive cases had risen to nearly 700, but the situation remained stable and had not reached outbreak levels.
Around 3,600 domestic breeding checkers have been deployed for door-to-door inspections and source-reduction activities to identify and eliminate mosquito-breeding sources. The Corporation has also imposed fines totalling Rs 5.5 lakh on companies, institutions and some households for failing to maintain clean premises and allowing conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.
With the Northeast monsoon approaching, the civic body has stepped up preparations involving stormwater drainage, desilting, pumping, relief centres, emergency kitchens and mosquito-control measures to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding across the city.