In Wednesday, Chennai and its suburbs received rain that was not as severe as the torrential downpour witnessed on Sunday and Monday, but nevertheless seemed to aggravate the rain-related problems that has been plaguing residents since Sunday.
Inundation of roads and public buildings has been reported from across the city. According to the Meteorological Department, as the upper air circulation lies near Kerala and areas proximate to it, there will be a decrease in rainfall over the city. Chennai will experience only light-to-moderate rainfall and one or two spells of rain or thundershowers may occur in some areas.
However, the rain of the past few days has been sufficient to raise the storage in the reservoirs in Poondi, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Red Hills. On Wednesday, they touched 15 per cent of their total capacity. According to Chennai Metrowater, the reservoirs have received copious inflow that will help sustain water supply to Chennai for three months.
On Wednesday, Chennai received 5 cm of rainfall; Avadi and Chembarambakkam recorded over 2 cm.
Meanwhile, rain-related problems reopened long-festering civic problems in certain neighbourhoods. At Senthil Nagar 13th Cross Street, Kolathur, there is a stagnation of rain water that is mixed with sewage. V.S. Sundar, an advocate, attributed the problem to ineffective stormwater drains.
He said that despite several complaints, the civic authorities had not visited the area falling under Division 65 of Ambattur zone.
Delay in flood-relief work sparked off an argument between residents and officials at Thirumalai Nagar, Sembakkam municipality.
Residents of Sembakkam alleged that the municipality officials refused to remove obstacles in water course linking Sembakkam and Nanmangalam lakes stating that it was not under their jurisdiction.
After several calls, a team of revenue officials arrived in the area. The revenue officials said instead of carrying out repairs, the municipal officials got into an argument with office-bearers of the association regarding removal of hyacinths.
However, on Tuesday, Pallavaram municipality workers removed obstacles in a portion of the water course, said S. Jaikumar, secretary of Thirumalai Nagar Welfare Association. Sembakkam municipal officials were not available for comment.
Residents also demanded that Sembakkam lake be monitored as there were possibilities of breaching by encroachers during night.
Holiday for schools, colleges
CHENNAI: The State government has declared holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts on Thursday on account of rain. Anna University has cancelled examinations and new dates will be announced later, officials said.
