Chennai: Ahead of the northeast monsoon, chief secretary M Saikumar has directed civic and other govt departments to complete all monsoon preparedness work in the city by the end of Sept.During an inspection of ongoing stormwater drain construction, canal improvement and water hyacinth removal work in Adyar, Perungudi and Sholinganallur zones, the chief secretary stressed the need for coordinated action among departments to prevent waterlogging and ensure the smooth discharge of excess rainwater ahead of the monsoon.In Adyar, the focus was on a ₹13.52 crore stormwater drain project near Tidel Park. The project involves twin waterways extending for 660m to carry rainwater runoff from the IIT area to the Buckingham Canal.Similarly, in Perungudi, ongoing canal improvement work are expected to improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging in Ram Nagar (South), Kuberan Nagar and Sadasivam Nagar. The remaining 110m stretch was ordered to be completed immediately.“We have instructed the authorities to remove water hyacinth and desilt 17 culverts along the stretch between Narayanapuram Lake, Radial Road and the Perungudi landfill to ensure the uninterrupted flow of rainwater towards the Buckingham Canal. We have also asked them to ensure the proper functioning of sluices and canal structures,” said Saikumar.The officials also inspected a ₹73 crore stormwater drain project along OMR at Thoraipakkam in Sholinganallur zone. The project is intended to channel runoff from the Pallikaranai marshland towards the Buckingham Canal. The chief secretary also stressed the need for coordinated action among civic and infrastructure departments, making it clear that the remaining work must be wrapped up before the northeast monsoon sets in.Meanwhile, residents of north Chennai lamented that water bodies in the region have been neglected by govt authorities. They urged the govt to stop relying on last-minute flood mitigation measures, especially after the peak and extended summer months were available for carrying out the work this year.“Every year, we see officials rushing to clear drains and prepare for floods only when the monsoon is around the corner. The summer gave them enough time to restore and maintain the water bodies, but that opportunity seems to have been wasted. We need long-term measures, not last-minute flood management,” said Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association president T K Shanmugam.
