Ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Chennai Corporation will start work on major civic infrastructure projects such a roads, stormwater drains and pavements at an estimated cost of ₹480 crore in various parts of the city.
A major chunk, ₹300 crore, will be spent on stormwater drains. “The work will reduce inundation in 340 locations. At least 117 km of drains will be constructed,” said a civic official.
Flooding in Chamiers Road, Santhome High Road, Whites Road, Ritherdon Road, Jagannathapuram in Adyar and Nallankuppam in Kodambakkam will be reduced after the completion of the work, officials said.
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Similarly, Sivaganapathy Nagar in Madhavaram Zone, Kargil Nagar in Tiruvottiyur and Saraswathi Nagar, Ganesh Nagar in Sholinganallur, Kuberan Nagar in Perungudi will see less of inundation after the stormwater drains are built, the officials said.
Defunct drains
“During a visit of the Prime Minister to Chennai, flooding in Santhome and M.R.C. Nagar was flagged by senior officials. Residents have complained about the inundation. The roads were under four feet water. Defunct drains have to be demolished and connected to the Adyar creek,” said an official. “Many defunct drains have been built 100 years ago. Rats have damaged brick work on many stretches,” said the official.
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On New Avadi Road, some portion has to be demolished and rebuilt.
“The road was under three feet water during the floods. The work will be completed by October in such highly vulnerable spots,” said an official.
Meanwhile, tenders will be finalised this month for most other projects. At least 250 roads will be relaid at an estimated cost of ₹120 crore, the officials said.
“They should have begun the stormwater drain work in January. The conditions during monsoon will be challenging. There is lack of planning in the Chennai Corporation. The delay will lead to inundation in many areas,” said the former Corporation floor leader V. Sukumar Babu.