Chennai, Nov 1 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the flood resilience of this Tamil Nadu city, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has formulated an extensive Rs 2,200 crore initiative aimed at upgrading and expanding the stormwater drainage system throughout all 100 wards. This project seeks to eradicate the persistent issues of waterlogging and flooding that have troubled the city for years.

Currently, while underground drainage work is taking place in various neighborhoods, many residential and commercial areas still suffer from severe water stagnation and traffic disruptions due to insufficient stormwater infrastructure.

In numerous locations, rainwater flows freely across the roads instead of being directed into proper drains, leading to accidents and road damage.

The situation is even more dire in the newly incorporated regions of the corporation.

The lack of stormwater drains has transformed earthen roads into muddy and hazardous paths during rainfall, complicating travel for both motorists and pedestrians.

Moreover, clogged drains filled with silt and debris exacerbate the situation by obstructing the smooth flow of rainwater, causing overflow in lower-lying areas.

To address these enduring challenges, the engineering division of CCMC conducted a thorough field survey across all wards to identify locations needing new drains and to assess existing drains requiring repairs or desilting.

From this survey, a comprehensive project report has been developed, prioritizing high-risk flood-prone areas for the first phase of implementation.

Corporation officials report that the initial phase will involve constructing 49 new drains with a total length of 116.29 kilometers across different zones. For this phase, the civic body has requested Rs 274 crore from the Directorate of Municipal Administration.

A senior official from the corporation stated: "In the initial phase, we have pinpointed 49 roads covering 116.29 km and have sought Rs 274 crore from the state government. Once approved, this will be a significant advancement towards establishing a flood-resilient Coimbatore."

This project is part of the city’s long-term urban infrastructure modernization strategy and is expected to be executed in multiple phases, ensuring that both older and newly integrated areas benefit from a robust stormwater management system capable of withstanding future monsoons.