Uncertainty over flood mitigation project

Proposal for funding still awaits Finance Ministry clearance

Chennai’s flood preparedness during the northeast monsoon has been left hanging in the balance as a proposal for funding from the Asian Development Bank is awaiting clearance from the Union Finance Ministry. At least 30 lakh residents in north Chennai areas of Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Surapet and Madhavaram are expected to benefit from the project.

According to official sources, the State government and the Local Administration in Chennai have submitted the proposal for development of stormwater drains in Kosasthalaiyar basin in north Chennai to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The city flood monitoring officials are keeping their fingers crossed as the commencement of the project may further be delayed by more than a year.

“Asian Development Bank has been identified for funding the ₹2,500-crore project. This project will mitigate flooding in most parts of north Chennai,” said an official.

However, official sources said the Union Finance Ministry, Department of Economic Affairs is yet to speed up the process of clearance for obtaining funding from the ADB, giving priority to the flood mitigation project.

The earlier proposal to obtain funding for the project through NITI Aayog was also rejected after the proposal was made by the State government and the Local Administration in Chennai. Japan International Cooperation Agency also had rejected the proposal for funding.

‘Govt. not concerned’

Pointing to the quick release of funds for the integrated stormwater drain project in the city in 2008, former Mayor Ma. Subramanian of the DMK said the State government did not seem to be concerned about the residents in flood-prone areas. “The government is concerned about their own survival. They do not have time for such schemes. There is a delay in commencing flood mitigation projects even after the floods in 2015. During the DMK regime, we visited New Delhi four times and received funds under JNNURM. The work order was issued in less than six months,” said Mr. Subramanian.