Chennai authorities initiate desilting works ahead of monsoon

Authorities in Chennai are undertaking desilting and infrastructure clearance works to prepare for the upcoming northeast monsoon. In Velachery, the state highways department is clearing three culverts along Jawaharlal Nehru Salai to improve stormwater discharge and prevent flooding. The project involves desilting culverts near the Puzhuthivakkam and Velachery MRTS stations, though officials noted that restricted vent heights and soft soil have made some areas difficult to access with conventional machinery.

In the Selaivayal area of Kodungaiyur, residents have expressed concern to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) regarding uncollected silt bags left on Vedantha Murugappa and Kattabomman streets. While the GCC reported completing the first phase of desilting across 1.10 lakh catchpits, locals noted that the accumulated silt bags remain on the streets, causing blockages and spilling back into pits during recent rains. The GCC has stated that the second phase of desilting is currently underway.