Greater Chennai Corporation to Intensify Cleaning of Silt Catch Pits and Drains After Cyclone Michaung

In response to the impact of Cyclone Michaung, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced plans to intensify the cleaning of silt catch pits and storm-water drains across the city. The GCC has already initiated desilting operations on various roads, including Walajah Road, North Usman Road, 10th Main Road in Lenin Nagar, D. Lakshmanaswami Salai, and Govindhan Street.

In 2022, the civic body identified 23,093 silt catch pits on 1,468 arterial roads across the city’s 200 wards. GCC Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan highlighted the need for more frequent desilting, as observed during heavy rains, and mentioned efforts to address the unauthorized opening of manholes.

Despite challenges, the Corporation aims to enhance the efficiency of storm-water drainage systems to prevent future flooding incidents. Radhakrishnan also emphasized the city’s swift response to clear 60% of inundation within 48 hours and addressed illegal sewage discharge during floods.