With the northeast monsoon approaching, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is actively working on flood mitigation projects in the city. The GCC has set deadlines between July and October to complete various initiatives such as canal restoration, stormwater drain projects, and waterbody improvements. While the corporation highlights progress on key projects, concerns have been raised by residents and civic activists regarding missing drain links, incomplete desilting, and coordination issues that could impact the city’s flood preparedness.
GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran has emphasized the importance of restoring major waterways to enhance the city’s drainage network. Out of the 44 canals managed by the GCC, work on 33 canals for desilting, retaining wall strengthening, and protective fencing, amounting to Rs 295.25 crore, is underway. Significant progress has been made in 28 canals, with priority stretches like Trustpuram, Otteri Nullah, Virugambakkam Canal, Reddy Kuppam Canal, and Captain Cotton Canal expected to be completed by October 15.
The DeMellows Road stormwater drain project is set to be finished by September 30, while the Ambattur surplus diversion channel linking East Avenue Road to Otteri Nullah is targeted for completion by October 15. The GCC has identified 155 missing stormwater drain links in Chennai, with around 103 km of the 140 km missing stretches already completed, and the remaining work projected to be finalized by September 30.
Under the Integrated Storm Water Drain Project encompassing Phases I to III, 264.20 km of the planned 310 km network has been completed, and the remaining priority sections are slated to be finished by October 15. The Integrated Urban Flood Management Project in the Kosasthalaiyar river basin, covering specific zones, has achieved 99.6% completion, with 633.46 km of the 636 km network completed under the Rs 3,059 crore project, expected to be finalized this month.
Despite advancements, concerns persist among residents and civic activists due to flooding risks in certain localities caused by missing stormwater drain connections, incomplete drainage networks, and inconsistent desilting practices. Issues such as inadequate coordination among civic departments and utility agencies leading to exposed cables, misaligned catchpit covers, and ineffective drainage systems in some areas have been highlighted. Ongoing projects include the completion of the Integrated SWD Project in the Kovalam basin by February 2027, the Arcot Road SWD project by October, and the Kadapakkam Lake eco-restoration project in Manali by the end of this month. The Madhavaram SWD project connecting the Puzhal surplus canal is expected to be finalized by September 2026.
