What’s Happening with Chennai’s Roads After Heavy Rain?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chennai's roads have suffered significantly due to recent heavy rainfall.
- The Greater Chennai Corporation has identified nearly 2,000 potholes.
- Immediate repair efforts are underway with allocated funding.
- Motor pumps are being utilized to manage flood-prone areas.
- Community engagement is being prioritized through local inspections.
Chennai, Oct 26 (NationPress) In recent days, residents throughout Chennai have inundated social media platforms with grievances regarding the deteriorating state of the city's main and side roads, severely impacted by recent heavy rainfall.
Footage and images showcasing cratered streets, traffic jams, and flooded areas have incited public outrage and renewed demands for prompt civic action. In response to these concerns, Mayor R. Priya revealed that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has pinpointed potholes in almost 2,000 sites across the city.
During a statement on Sunday, she directly linked the road damage to the relentless rain and guaranteed that immediate measures are being implemented to repair the affected areas. “Due to the severe rainfall, several city roads have developed potholes. Funds have been allocated for immediate repairs, and work is already underway in various wards. These potholes will be filled on the same day they are reported,” the Mayor stated.
Additionally, she mentioned that motor pumps have been set up in various flood-prone regions to swiftly drain standing rainwater and mitigate further road damage.
It is noteworthy that Mayor Priya, alongside HR&CE Minister and CMDA Chairman P.K. Sekarbabu, inspected the dredging operation at the Buckingham Canal in the Royapuram Zone on Saturday.
The Minister directed officials to ensure the unobstructed flow of rainwater and ordered the immediate removal of waste from the canal to avert flooding.
“This region is adjacent to the Buckingham Canal, where the Otteri Nalla converges. Water from Ambattur, Kolathur, and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar drains into this canal. The dredging process is progressing well, and with the meteorological department forecasting additional rain, these initiatives are crucial to prevent flooding,” the Mayor remarked.
Civic officials mentioned that inspections were conducted door-to-door in neighborhoods like Kalyanapuram and Kalyanapuram Pallam, where approximately 1,000 families were consulted to identify local challenges and grievances.
A senior GCC official highlighted that patchwork repairs have been completed in 168 locations, with all complaints being monitored and addressed.
Meanwhile, Chennai Traffic Police have identified 115 critical pothole locations—38 on highways, 71 on bus route roads, and 12 on inner roads—that are now being prioritized for repair to facilitate smoother traffic flow and ensure road safety.