Heavy rain in Madurai, Corporation commissioner directs officials to ensure storm water drains are free from encroachments

Madurai experienced heavy rain on Thursday afternoon. The heavy downpour lasted for more than half an hour in the afternoon and left several parts of the city inundated. Vehicle users and pedestrians found it difficult to travel along the waterlogged roads. It led to traffic congestion in many parts of the city.

The areas that experienced heavy rain in the city included the areas around Periyar bus stand, Simmakal, Anna Nagar, K.K. Nagar, Goripalayam, Tallakulam, Teppakulam and the surrounding areas. Vehicle users found it difficult to travel along the inundated roads. People had to wade precariously through the water without getting their clothes wet. Even the roads leading to the residential blocks were waterlogged.

A bus shelter in Simmakal collapsed during the heavy downpour. No one was injured in the incident. Fortunately, no passengers were inside at the time. The collapse of the bus shelter, located in a busy area usually packed with commuters throughout the day, caused a stir in the area. Authorities cleared the debris later in the evening.

The heavy downpour turned the Government Rajaji Hospital premises into a pond. The water was subsequently drained after a blockage was cleared.

Corporation Commissioner Gaurav Kumar appealed to the engineering team to ensure that the stormwater drains were free from any encroachments. After rain hit the city for about 45 minutes in many parts, he visited North Veli Street, Subramaniapuram, Periyar bus stand and Kalavasal.

The officials said that the Commissioner wanted the officials to drain the rainwater into the channels and ensure that there was no waterlogging. Many low-lying areas in Sellur, Aruldosspuram, Tamil Sangam Road, etc., were inundated due to the rain.

The Commissioner suggested replacing a few street lights. He instructed that the street lights that were not bright be replaced at the earliest in Jaihindpuram and other spots.