Why is CM Stalin inspecting Adyar River works for the second day?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Stalin's proactive inspections of the Adyar River are aimed at enhancing flood management.
- The ongoing dredging and widening operations are critical for ensuring effective water flow into the Bay of Bengal.
- Authorities are implementing measures to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas.
- Timely completion of these works is essential before the expected heavy rainfall.
- Continuous monitoring of water levels in reservoirs is crucial for effective flood management.
Chennai, Oct 26 (NationPress) Chief Minister M.K. Stalin conducted an unexpected inspection of the Adyar River mouth for the second day in a row, evaluating the ongoing dredging and widening operations aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of floodwaters into the Bay of Bengal amidst the strengthening northeast monsoon.
This inspection, held near Srinivasapuram, follows CM Stalin's previous visit on October 24. Officials from the Public Works Department and the Greater Chennai Corporation provided the Chief Minister with updates on the progress of the works and measures being implemented to avert flooding in the city's vulnerable areas.
CM Stalin urged officials to expedite the widening of the river mouth and to guarantee the completion of the works before heavy rains escalate in the upcoming days. He highlighted the significance of the Adyar estuary in facilitating the discharge of excess water from city reservoirs into the sea, which is crucial for alleviating flooding in lower-lying regions.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian, and Thousand Lights MLA Ezhilan accompanied the Chief Minister during this inspection.
The team thoroughly examined the dredging equipment installed along the estuary and engaged with the engineers overseeing the operations.
Officials noted that the mouth of the Adyar River has narrowed over the years due to silt accumulation and encroachments, which has resulted in water stagnation during heavy rainfall. The current dredging and desilting initiatives are part of the state's pre-monsoon readiness strategy, which includes reinforcing river embankments, clearing blockages in stormwater drainage systems, and setting up motor pumps at critical flood-prone locations.
The Tamil Nadu government has heightened preventive actions across the coastal districts following the formation of a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to develop into a cyclonic system in the near future.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts within the next 48 hours.
Officials further stated that round-the-clock monitoring teams have been established to observe water levels in key reservoirs, including Chembarambakkam and Poondi, and to manage surplus water discharge through the Adyar River into the sea.
CM Stalin instructed officials to maintain heightened alertness and ensure that flood mitigation efforts remain unimpeded, even during adverse weather conditions.