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Chennai's Monsoon Wake-Up Call: Incomplete Drains Cause Chaos
18 Oct
Summary
- Over 15,000 staff worked to clear waterlogged roads after heavy rain.
- North Chennai and Velachery faced persistent flooding due to clogged canals.
- Incomplete drainage projects and stalled work exacerbated waterlogging issues.
Chennai received a significant rainfall of 10.5cm over 24 hours, offering a stark preview of monsoon challenges and revealing inconsistencies in flood preparedness. Over 15,000 Greater Chennai Corporation staff were mobilized overnight to address the deluge, successfully clearing 35 waterlogged roads and 16 subways.
However, areas in north Chennai and Velachery continued to struggle with flooding due to neglected canals filled with garbage and silt, incomplete drainage systems, and ongoing construction projects that were left unfinished. For instance, parts of Velachery saw knee-deep water, which receded only after pumps were deployed.
In north Chennai, unfinished infrastructure, including a flyover and drain channels, contributed to severe waterlogging in areas like Vyasarpadi Jeeva. Residents also pointed to issues with newly built stormwater drains not being properly connected to existing channels, causing backflow into homes. Authorities, including the GCC commissioner and municipal administration secretary, inspected affected areas, with the chief minister reviewing preparedness and directing officials to remain vigilant.
