How is Udhayanidhi Stalin Strengthening Flood Preparedness at the Virugambakkam Canal?

Chennai, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, officially launched a range of development initiatives at the Virugambakkam canal on Monday, with a budget of approximately Rs 30 crore. This initiative aims to enhance Chennai's flood readiness in anticipation of the upcoming Northeast Monsoon.

These projects, initiated under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, encompass extensive dredging and desilting of the canal, elevation of existing retaining walls, and the installation of chain-link fencing along its length.

Officials highlighted that these actions are intended to boost the canal's water-carrying ability, avert overflow during intense rains, and safeguard the residents in the surrounding areas.

The inauguration was attended by various senior ministers, legislators, and civic leaders.

K.N. Nehru, the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister, along with M.K. Mohan, the Virugambakkam MLA, and A.M.V. Prabhakar Raja, the Villivakkam MLA, joined Udhayanidhi Stalin in launching these projects.

Also present were J. Kumaragurubaran, the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, and T.G. Vinay, the Managing Director of Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

The city’s civic leadership was well-represented at the event, with key figures such as N. Ramalingam, the leader of the Corporation Council's ruling party, N. Sridhar, the Standing Committee Chairman for Works, and V. Sivakrishnamurthy, the Deputy Commissioner for Works.

During the launch, officials underscored that the Virugambakkam canal is a vital stormwater drainage system in western Chennai, frequently facing flooding during monsoon seasons. The newly commenced projects aim to reduce flooding risks, especially in low-lying areas, by facilitating quicker water discharge and minimizing blockages. These initiatives are part of the state government's extensive effort to upgrade stormwater infrastructure across the city, taking lessons from the 2015 and 2021 floods. Civil engineers indicate that similar enhancement projects are being executed across various waterways in Chennai to ensure better flow into major drains and rivers.

While engaging with officials at the site, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the significance of completing these works promptly before the onset of the Northeast Monsoon. He instructed civic authorities to rigorously monitor desilting activities and prevent encroachments or waste dumping that could compromise the canal's efficiency.

Local residents expressed hope that these initiatives would alleviate the chronic issue of waterlogging that has plagued the area for years.