Chennai, Oct 5 (NationPress) In an unusual initiative to bolster flood defenses ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has granted an extension for road-cut activities until October 15, a full month later than the standard September 15 deadline.

The civic authority asserts that this extension will facilitate the completion of essential stormwater and pipeline improvements; however, it has raised concerns among residents who fear that unfinished roads and open trenches will become hazards for flooding and accidents.

Typically, all excavation work halts by mid-September to allow for road restoration prior to the rains. This year, though, GCC has made an exception to expedite ongoing projects carried out by its own engineering teams and other organizations, such as Chennai Metrowater.

According to officials, the goal is to mitigate waterlogging and ensure improved traffic flow once the monsoon arrives.

Data from the corporation indicates that stormwater drains are being interconnected at 92 locations across the city's 15 zones.

Metrowater is also in the process of replacing outdated pipelines under the North Chennai Development Scheme.

"All work must be finalized by October 15. Following that, only emergency road cuts will be approved until the end of the monsoon," stated Mayor R. Priya.

She further noted that approximately 75 percent of road relaying has been completed and that "flood mitigation efforts are in full force, with motor pumps ready and restored ponds prepared to accommodate excess rainwater."

The mayor also conducted inspections of flood-prevention projects, including those near the Ganeshpuram flyover and subway.

The Ganeshpuram subway, which has been closed for almost 18 months, is set to reopen to the public on October 10, while the flyover itself is expected to be completed by January.

Despite reassurances from officials, local neighborhood associations remain skeptical.

"They excavate the roads and leave them partially completed. When the work is done, proper relaying often doesn’t take place. Instead of extending deadlines, the civic body should have completed their tasks earlier to provide us with safe and level roads before the rains," expressed a resident of Sarvamangala Colony in Ashok Nagar, Chennai.

Others have cautioned that the early onset of the monsoon could pose serious risks.

"During heavy rainfall, open pits can make roads perilous and slippery. While the intention is commendable, deadlines must be adhered to. No new digging should be conducted at this point," remarked M. Balakrishnan of Tansi Nagar RWA in Velachery.

Officials insist that all open pits will be filled before the rains, but residents stress that timely completion is vital to prevent another season filled with potholes and waterlogging chaos.