Chennai Corporation to clean Mambalam Canal ahead of monsoon

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is launching a major desilting campaign for the 5.7-kilometer-long Mambalam Canal to prepare for the upcoming North-East monsoon. The project, estimated to cost 46.7 lakh rupees, aims to increase the canal's water-carrying capacity from 200 cusecs to approximately 500 cusecs.

The initiative includes removing silt, deepening certain sections by about four feet, and clearing obstructions within culverts at Venkatnarayan Road and CIT Nagar. Additionally, the mouth of the canal near the YMCA premises will be widened where it meets the Adyar River to improve drainage during heavy rainfall. Robotic excavators will be utilized for the desilting process.

The project is expected to benefit flood-prone areas including T Nagar, West Mambalam, Nandanam, and Saidapet. The GCC's Tenampet zone is also preparing to issue notices to address approximately nine encroachments along the waterway that obstruct flow. Chennai Metro Rail will assist in cleaning sections near the Panagal Park-Nandanam underground corridor.