The Greater Chennai Corporation has planned to open relief centres at 176 locations across the city during the northeast monsoon.
Last year, the civic body had opened just 82 relief centres out of which 22 centres accommodated 4,082 residents. This year, the government has taken measures to promote disaster preparedness in more localities.
Boats have been stationed to rescue residents of at least 109 localities that are prone to flooding in the city. Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani and Corporation Commissioner-in-charge R. Lalitha participated in a meeting this week to assess monsoon preparedness.
Mr. Velumani said funds for taking up relief operations will be released to all departments. A total of 44 teams of doctors will visit neighbourhoods to conduct medical camps for flood-affected residents. Residents are requested to call the Corporation helpline, 1913, to seek assistance from civic officials 24x7.
The Corporation has completed 98% of the 404 km stormwater drains in the Adyar and Cooum river basins. “All drains have been connected to the disposal points,” said an official. After completion of restoration work on the Padikuppam Canal, Nolambur Canal, Ambattur-Sidco Canal and the Nandambakkam Canal, water carrying capacity has been increased threefold. “Flooding in the neighbourhoods is expected to reduce this year,” the official said.
Drain clearance
The corporation maintains 1894 km of stormwater drains across the city. Desilting work of drains has been taken up at an estimated cost of ₹21 crore. The civic body has procured three robotic excavators from Switzerland at the cost of ₹19.65 crore. The excavators have removed 35,000 tonnes of silt from minor canals so far.
Personnel from NDRF and volunteers will be stationed at 52 locations. A total of 200 equipment to cut trees have been procured at a cost of ₹1.2 crore. Personnel carrying mechanical saw will be stationed at all the 15 zones of the city. Amma Canteens will remain open in all the 407 locations in the city, the officials said.
