After evicting DMK and Congress councillors who demanded the resignation of Mayor Saidai Duraisamy on Friday, the Chennai Corporation Council held the previous DMK regime responsible for the current rain-related problems.
Earlier, during the council meeting, DMK councillors led by Subash Chandra Bose blamed the AIADMK regime for the widespread flood damage to homes and civic infrastructure and the disruption of transportation services.
“The government failed to prepare a disaster management plan for the monsoon. Simple works including desilting of drains were not carried out ahead of the monsoon. During the DMK regime, previous Mayors M.K. Stalin and M. Subramanian sensibly focussed on such aspects. We demand the resignation of Mayor Saidai Duraisamy who is responsible for the flood damages. The Mayor continues to mislead the council,” said Ms. Bose.
“The Mayor is unable to offer valid reasons for the total failure of the civic machinery during the flooding. Many residential neighbourhoods continue to be marooned. Coordination with other agencies is also poor. Residents want compensation for the damages to private property,” said Congress Councillor P.V.Tamil Selvan. Refuting the allegations by Opposition parties, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy blamed the previous DMK regime for the existing problems.
“The integrated stormwater drain project was originally proposed by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The DMK regime failed to implement the project as per the guidance of experts of IIT Madras and Anna University. We have decided to construct new drains with the guidance of experts. A new proposal for stormwater drains at Rs.4034 crore will be implemented as per the design approved by experts from IITM and Anna University,” said Mayor Saidai Duraisamy.
Pointing to the “work by Metrorail at 25 spots on arterial roads across the city,” Mr. Duraisamy said the severe traffic congestion on Monday was the result of such projects, which raised eyebrows at the council meeting.
“Surplus water from nine lakes led to inundation of neighbourhoods. M.K.Stalin, who held the Ministry of Local Administration during the previous regime, is responsible for this situation,” said Mr. Duraisamy.
