Residents in several flood-prone areas under the Chennai Metropolitan Area have raised concerns over delays in the implementation of flood mitigation projects ahead of the onset of Northeast monsoon this year.
They have demanded that flood mitigation work near rivers, canals, and other waterbodies be taken up at the earliest.
Federation of Varadharajapuram Residents’ Welfare Associations president V. Rajasekaran said the group has written to the Kancheepuram Collector, demanding the speedy implementation of flood prevention efforts in the area.
“Residents are worried about the delay in constructing a retaining wall to prevent overflow from the Adyar River during the monsoon season. Last week, engineers inspected the location and assured us that the water hyacinth would be removed. However, they said the retaining wall could not be constructed due to a fund crunch,” said Mr. Rajasekaran.
Water hyacinth is concern in Adyar River
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Re-laying of roads
Residents also pointed to delays in re-laying roads damaged by the rains. The Varadharajapuram Link Road, which connects Manimangalam Road and Kundrathur Road, has deteriorated, and potholes and uneven surfaces have increased the risk of accidents in the Rayappa Nagar area.
They said the condition of the road was poor during last year’s monsoon as well. Despite repeated requests to the Highways Department over the past year, the road has not been re-laid yet, they alleged.
Similarly, in Rayappa Nagar, bitumen-treated roads such as Ambrose IAS Road and Balasundaram IAS Road have also not been re-laid.
Residents further demanded that civic agencies expedite work on the check dam in Amarambedu to mitigate flooding.
MDMK councillor S. Jeevan said the residents also wanted the work on linking Nehru Nagar Canal with Kodungaiyur Canal to be expedited ahead of Northeast monsoon. “Work on a three-feet-high retaining wall along the Kodungaiyur Canal has started along a 1,350-metre stretch. Over 75% work has been completed. Residents have requested that the work be completed ahead of the monsoon,” said Mr. Jeevan.
Removal of encroachments
Residents have also stressed the need for the removal of encroachments along canals such as Erukkencherry. Independent researcher O.M. Murali said greenery should be developed along waterbodies after clearing the encroachments.
Residents from the southern parts of the city, meanwhile, have taken to social media to highlight civic issues related to waterbodies, particularly encroachments and pollution. One resident shared how the Seine River in France has been successfully transformed, emphasising the need for similar restoration efforts in Chennai and its suburbs.
“The government reportedly spent around ₹1,405 crore on the eco-restoration of the Seine River in France. However, despite the allocation of funds over several decades, the eco-restoration of Chennai’s waterways, including the Cooum, Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Buckingham Canal, remains a significant challenge,” a resident posted on social media.
Campaign against pollution
Members of the Korattur Eri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam have announced the launch of a campaign against pollution of the waterbody. Similarly, the Save Pallikaranai Marshland Forum has announced a series of protests demanding the restoration of the marshland to aid flood mitigation.
AIADMK councillor J. John said the risk of flooding was high in Korattur this year owing to the delay in implementation of three culverts between Korattur and Pattaravakkam railway stations.
“The Railways has given the NoC for the construction of the three culverts. The Chennai Corporation Regional Deputy Commissioner inspected the area last week and said the GCC will construct only one culvert this year. The remaining will be constructed later. This delay will lead to flooding of Korattur during the monsoon. The water from five lakes in areas such as Thiruninravur, Avadi, Ayapakkam and Ambattur has to reach Korattur lake, which has reduced in size from 900 acres to 600 acres. The existing infrastructure permits only 10% discharge during floods,” he said.
SIDCO industries reported a loss of â‚ą2,000 crore during the previous floods. The industry representatives had met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, and the Railways agreed to construct the culverts. Unless the Chennai Corporation pays money to the Railways for their construction, the flood mitigation work will not be completed, said Mr. John.
Published – July 24, 2025 06:00 am IST
