Chennai’s monsoon preparedness received an urgent push on Friday as Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and T Lokesh Tamilselvan inspected storm-water drain works, canal desilting and flood-prevention measures across north and south Chennai, directing officials to clear pending work and keep rainwater channels unobstructed.
Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna reviewed flood-prevention measures along the 200-foot Radial Road near Pallikaranai marshland. The inspection focused on the movement of rainwater from the marshland through 16 small channels maintained by the Highways Department.
The channels are critical to drainage in an area where changes in road infrastructure, surrounding development and low-lying terrain can affect the movement of storm water during intense rainfall. The inspection team directed officials to ensure that the channels remain clear and that water is able to flow without obstruction, according to the report by DT Next.
Commercial Taxes Minister T Lokesh Tamilselvan inspected storm-water drain works on AA Road and at the Ganeshapuram subway in Otteri. He also reviewed arrangements to pump out accumulated rainwater from collection sumps at Vyasarpadi Junction and Mullai Nagar, locations that can face operational disruption when heavy rain overwhelms local drainage capacity.
The minister further inspected flood-prevention works along Captain Cotton Canal and Kodungaiyur South Canal. The review covered measures intended to maintain the free flow of rainwater through the canal network as the northeast monsoon brings rainfall across the city.
The inspections come amid concerns over water stagnation in Chennai’s low-lying areas during periods of heavy rain. Drainage performance in the city depends not only on the construction of storm-water drains but also on the condition of canals, outlet channels, pumping equipment and the connections between these systems. A blockage or delay at one point can affect water movement across adjoining neighbourhoods.
The Greater Chennai Corporation said flood-relief centres and community kitchens had been kept ready with the required facilities. The civic body also said motor pumps were being installed to drain water from low-lying areas. These arrangements are intended to support residents in locations where rainwater remains on roads or enters neighbourhoods despite existing drainage infrastructure.
The Pallikaranai inspection also highlights the role of marshland channels in Chennai’s flood-management system. The 200-foot Radial Road corridor passes through a landscape where the movement of water is linked to the condition of natural and engineered drainage paths. Ensuring that the 16 channels are functional is therefore part of the immediate monsoon response in the area.
Separately, Arjuna inaugurated a badminton indoor stadium in Jalladianpet, Perungudi. The facility was built at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore and has a floor area of 81.74 square metres, along with an outdoor gym.
The ministers’ inspections are expected to be followed by the completion of pending storm-water drain and canal works, continued pumping arrangements and the operation of relief centres and kitchens during the monsoon period.
