Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena emphasized the urgency of completing flood mitigation projects before the northeast monsoon, instructing officials to expedite efforts during his inspection of various initiatives. With projects underway in areas like Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Mugalivakkam, and Manappakkam, costing approximately ₹180 crore, Meena assured that these endeavors would shield communities from flood-related woes by July or August.
Measures such as erecting shutters to prevent water overflow from drains connected to the Adyar River are also underway, alongside land acquisition for drain pipelines via Velachery-Tambaram to the Pallikaranai marshland. Additionally, legislative provisions passed in 2023 aim to curb the illegal discharge of sewage and wastewater into storm-water drains by tankers, showcasing a comprehensive approach to address environmental concerns.
Meena’s thorough inspection of water management projects, surplus water channels, and infrastructure developments underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing resilience against natural calamities while ensuring sustainable urban development in Chennai and its environs.