Chennai Corporation launches capacity building programme for officials ahead of monsoon

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a capacity-building programme for engineers in flood management ahead of the Northeast Monsoon.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said: “The programme examines how differences in mobility, age, disability, livelihood, care responsibilities, access to information, income and social position can influence people’s experience of warnings, evacuation, relief facilities, construction impacts and infrastructure.“

“The programme covers gender and gender relations, equality and equity, social inclusion and gender justice, gender mainstreaming, responsive governance and budgeting, institutionalisation and gender audits,” he said.

Key areas include early warning and evacuation, relief-camp usability, temporary construction access and safety, community participation, disaggregated data and monitoring, and using recurring O&M complaints to identify wider design, maintenance, communication or accountability issues.

The expected outcomes and follow-up participants are expected to recognise relevant issues, identify differential barriers using evidence, and improve inclusive consultation. “An inclusive approach to flood management ensures that our preparedness reaches every resident, especially those who are vulnerable who may face greater challenges during a disaster, including women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities.” said Dr. Sameeran.

“The workshop has helped officials look at flood preparedness not only from an engineering perspective, but also through the lens of accessibility and community needs. As we prepare for this year’s Northeast monsoon, in the backdrop of Super El-Nino these learnings will help us strengthen warning systems, evacuation planning, relief arrangements to respond more effectively. Most importantly, the programme will help translate gender equality and inclusion principles into routine planning, making our flood management systems more responsive, accessible and people-centric across Chennai,” he said.