Northeast monsoon preparedness measures to start early in Chennai

Restoration works worth ₹214 crore have been taken up in 83 of the 241 ponds maintained by Greater Chennai Corporation, with works completed in 49 ponds and under way in the remaining 34, as Mayor R. Priya, on Wednesday, reviewed the civic body’s Northeast monsoon preparedness.

The Mayor directed officials to expedite the desilting of the Corporation’s 44 canals and water bodies using 21 specialised machines. Between May 2 and July 10, around 16,270 metric tonnes of silt and water hyacinth were removed. Of the 241 ponds maintained by the Corporation, restoration works worth ₹214 crore have been undertaken in 83 ponds, with 49 completed and 34 under way.

The Corporation has completed desilting in 68,281 of the 1,09,975 silt traps across the stormwater drain network. It has also deployed 120 pumps and water storage tanks, 138 motor pumps and 33 generators for 19 subways, besides keeping 525 motor pumps and 188 electric motors ready for low-lying areas, according to a press release.

Chief Secretary to check prep

On Thursday, officials including Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Sai Kumar are expected to participate in the monsoon preparedness meeting with various departments including CMWSSB and CMRL in the presence of PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna.

Councillors have complained about rising flood risk in residential neighbourhoods near the Cooum River as the work on the elevated corridor is underway. Many years ago, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa shelved the elevated corridor project from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal to prevent flood risk in the Cooum River. However, the DMK government revived the project in the Cooum after coming to power in 2021. As the construction work is under way in areas such as Chintadripet, Pudupet, Nungambakkam, Chetpet and Choolaimedu, flood risk is expected to rise in the Cooum river in several areas.

Residents have complained about water stagnation and rising flood risk in areas in the vicinity of Metro Rail project sites in various parts of the city.

Velachery resident S. Kumararaja said the Chennai Corporation should coordinate with telecom service providers, including BSNL, Jio and Airtel, to provide uninterrupted services during the floods. “Residents and volunteers could not communicate with the civic authorities during the rains because of issues in telecom connectivity,” said Mr.Kumararaja.

Ward 84 councillor J.John said flood risk has increased in Korattur Housing Board area because of blockage in the canal near Vilivakkam SIDCO. “The manholes in Korattur Housing Board area have started overflowing. The authorities should resolve the issue,” he said.

Published – July 16, 2026 12:44 am IST