With the northeast monsoon just around the corner, the Greater Chennai Corporation has deputed workers to dredge and clean stormwater drains to prevent flooding. While residents welcomed the civic body's timely action ahead of the rain, some have expressed disappointment over improper clearance of the sediment removed from the drains.
At Krishnapuri in Raja Annamalaipuram, the silt collected from the drains and stored in bags have been left on the pavements for many days now. “The workers told us that the sacks will be removed by conservancy workers once the water drains off but they are still there, even after more than a week since the drains were cleaned. We notified the zonal officers of GCC through calls and e-mails but no one has turned up yet to remove the bags,” says Lakshman Rao, a senior citizen residing at Krishnapuri.
He further claims that the work to clear the stormwater drain in streets beyond Bhagirathi Ammal Street has been stopped abruptly. “GCC should complete the work at one ago. Otherwise, silt from these drains will enter the clean ones when it rains. Besides the neighbourhood of Krishnapuri, the silt bags have been lying on the pavements at other areas in R.A. Puram, including Srinivasa Avenue and Kamarajar Salai,” he adds.
The residents fear that the sediment will fall back into the drains if the dry sacks are not cleared before the monsoon.
Lakshman Rao suggests that the Corporation can effectively use the silt as fertiliser nourish the plants and trees on medians and along the roadside, as well as in public parks, instead of transporting them to garbage disposal units.
