Chennai: CMRL And Chennai Corporation Collaborate To Manage Flood Risk Near Metro Project Sites

The Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) will collaborate with the Greater Chennai Corporation to address the issue of debris causing blockages in the storm-water drain near metro project sites.

During the recent rains, residents in many zones near the Metro Rail Phase-II project sites experienced flooding due to debris obstructing drains and canals. The civic body has been urged by the councillors to assess the impact of Metro Rail work on the storm-water drain.

The Corporation officials have stated that they will restore and enhance the drain and canal network near the Metro Rail construction sites.

T V Shemmmozhi, the councillor of Anna Nagar Ward 104, highlighted that the dumping of debris from Metro Rail construction sites has led to increased flood risk in areas like Anna Nagar W Block.

Shemmmozhi stated, "Over 2,500 houses in Anna Nagar were affected by rising water levels during the recent rain due to debris from the construction site being washed into the canals and drains. The blockage caused by mud from the Metro Rail construction site near the Padi flyover in the Otteri Nullah has been requested to be cleared by the engineers, but it is yet to be resolved. Additionally, the slurry has been discharged into storm-water drains near the Cooum in Anna Nagar, resulting in drain blockages," reports The Hindu.

Flooding has occurred in several areas, including Arcot Road where Metro Rail work is in progress. The drains and canal networks in places like T Nagar have also experienced blockages.

Residents have asked the civic agencies to enhance coordination and finish flood-mitigation work before the northeast monsoon arrives this year.