The Corporation is planning to roll out a ₹65-crore rejuvenation project for the 10.8-km-long canal.
The Federation of Anna Nagar Residents’ Associations (FOARA) raised concerns over the pollution of Otteri Nullah Canal during a recent field inspection.
The inspection was led by Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) H.R. Koushik of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
The maintenance of the canal was transferred from the Water Resources Department (WRD) to the GCC in October 2024.
Sandhya Vedullapalli, FOARA secretary, said the frequent discharge of untreated industrial effluents into the Otteri Nullah, particularly near the Padi Flyover, has raised health concerns among residents. A strong chemical odour emanates from the canal and the area suffers from poor air quality, she said.
FOARA members pointed out the contrast between the polluted stretch of the Otteri Nullah near the TVS Canal and its starting point, which is relatively cleaner, and urged authorities to identify the source of contamination.
The inspection covered flood-prone areas in Anna Nagar. Anna Nagar MLA M.K. Mohan and Villivakkam MLA A. Vetriazhagan, along with senior officials from the GCC’s Zones VII and VIII, were present.
The association members called for expediting the work on the drain on 100-Feet Road to divert floodwater from North Avenue Canal to Coovum River.
They also demanded that work be immediately taken up on a retaining wall on 6th Avenue, a stretch that floods frequently during monsoon.
GCC is planning to roll out a ₹65-crore rejuvenation project for the 10.8-km-long Otteri Nullah. The project includes desilting, strengthening canal walls, and infrastructure upgrades.
Published – July 13, 2025 11:24 pm IST
