Chennai monsoon preparedness works must be completed by September-end

The Tamil Nadu government has established a deadline of late September to complete all monsoon preparedness works in Chennai and its surrounding suburbs. Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar directed officials to accelerate flood prevention measures on a war footing to prepare for the upcoming northeast monsoon.

Key initiatives include the desilting of 1,671 km of stormwater drains and 110,082 silt catch pits by the Greater Chennai Corporation. Special attention is being directed toward flood-prone areas such as Velachery, Ambattur SIDCO, Tiruvottiyur, and Manali. Officials have been instructed to address drainage connectivity gaps, particularly near Chennai Metro Rail construction sites and highways.

The Water Resources Department has been tasked with expediting the desilting of rivers and canals to ensure unhindered water flow. Additionally, the government is prioritizing emergency readiness, including the inspection of flood relief centers, community kitchens, and the deployment of high-capacity motor pumps in low-lying areas. Measures are also being taken to prevent loss of life from electrical leakage during heavy rainfall.