2 weeks Ago
Chennai: At least 25 critical stretches have been identified to be at risk of floods due to significant damage to stormwater drain networks caused by metro rail construction. This was revealed in a joint study by Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), IIT Madras, TNRDC, and the disaster management department. The five-member committee has recommended the construction of new drains, water retention wells, alternative pipes with larger diameters and the installation of additional motors before October on OMR, Arcot Road, CTH Road and two bus termini at Villivakkam and Mandaveli to mitigate the risks.
The study was conducted over two days on August 10 and 11. GCC commissioner J Kumaraguraban said this is the first time they have conducted a study on CMRL's work obstructing flood paths of the city. The study pointed out that stormwater drain networks are either fully or partially damaged at Barnaby Road, Millers Road, Purasawakkam High Road, NSK Salai, Indira Nagar and DGS Dhinakaran Salai.
While Kilpauk, Millers Road will need a new retention well, Barnaby Road requires another drainage channel to Otteri Nullah. Similarly, in Perambur Barracks Road, where the entire SWD network is damaged, the construction of drains via Madhava Lunch Home through Kutty Street is recommended. New drains have been recommended in Luz Church Road of Mylapore to direct water to Buckingham Canal and prevent flooding in Venus Colony, Poes Garden, Cathedral Road, and TTK Road.
In the next month, a cross-culvert must be installed near Meenakshi College on Arcot Road to allow water to flow into the Trustpuram canal to reduce the risk of flooding at Parasangupuram, Azeez Nagar, and nearby streets, necessitating the installation of a cross-culvert. Experts said CMRL work changes the terrain and hydrology, altering water flow patterns. So, the committee has studied the velocity and water flowing patterns.
Blockage of major channels such as Okkiyam Maduvu, Otteri Nullah, and Mambalam Canal exacerbates the problem, they said. The solutions include a cross-drain from Santhosh Nagar across OMR. “CMRL has agreed to hand over roads here to TNRDC and clean blockages at Okkiyam Maduvu, where water from OMR flows through the Pallikaranai Marsh,” officials said.
We also published the following articles recently Gurgaon: Contract given in April, drains not cleaned yet, sewage flows on to road Residents near Delhi Public School in Sector 45 are facing severe issues with overflowing sewer lines, worsened by rains. Despite a Rs 65 lakh contract for cleaning, no action has been taken, leading to waterlogging and health risks. The MCG promises a resolution, but residents remain skeptical about timely intervention.
Man draining water from shop electrocuted A 22-year-old migrant laborer, Ashish Meda, was electrocuted while clearing a waterlogged shop in Thaltej, Ahmedabad. Living in the city for five months, Meda was found dead at Sola Civil Hospital. This is the third electrocution-related death due to recent rains in Ahmedabad, highlighting potential safety concerns.
Motorists and pedestrians struggle due to damaged roads in Haveri district The heavy rains in Haveri district have damaged roads extensively, causing large potholes and slush, posing risks for motorists and pedestrians. The Public Works Department faces funding issues, delaying repairs. The public urges authorities to address these problems quickly to prevent accidents and improve travel conditions.
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