Highways Department to begin desilting of stormwater drains in Chennai soon

The Highways Department has floated tenders inviting contractors to desilt stormwater drains (SWDs) along roads within the limits of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Tambaram and Avadi corporations. The works, which will commence shortly, are slated to be completed before September 30.

Sources in the department said 430 km of stormwater drains would be desilted before the Northeast monsoon. Repairs and reconstruction of drains have also been taken up on a few roads, including Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (400 m near SBOA School) and Mount Poonamallee-Avadi Road. The damage reportedly occurred during construction work by Chennai Metro Rail.

A total of 34 highly vulnerable locations have been identified based on data from last year’s monsoon. These locations were heavily inundated, and to alleviate the problem, 89 motors of various capacities have been arranged to pump out the water. Of these locations, six are on East Coast Road, three each on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai and Anna Salai, four on Madhavaram-Redhills Road, and three on Taramani-Velachery Road.

“In some spots, last-mile connectivity to nearby canals and drains is missing. For instance, portions of drains beneath the railway tracks to carry water from Chromepet have been pre-cast by the Railways. They have promised to complete the work by September 30,” said another source.

Apart from motors, 30 tippers/JCBs have been arranged, 524 mazdoors will be kept on alert, and 40 patrol teams equipped with motors and power saws will also be on call. A total of 5,000 cold mix bags will be kept ready to repair potholes on roads.