Chennai's unfinished stormwater drains heighten anxiety as northeast monsoon begins
Chennai, Oct 16
As Chennai begins to experience the first spells of the northeast monsoon, concerns are mounting across the city over the unfinished stormwater drain (SWD) works that threaten to undo the flood-mitigation efforts.
Despite repeated assurances from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), crucial desilting and drain-laying projects remain incomplete, leaving residents in several localities bracing for waterlogging and traffic disruption.
In Saidapet’s Kumaran Colony, the situation has become particularly tense. Work on a key stormwater drain along Kumaran Colony 1st Street was abruptly halted for nearly two weeks due to a change in the alignment plan.
The decision to shift the drain from one side of the road to the other -- after objections citing proximity to houses and borewells -- has further delayed progress. The timing of the resumed work, coinciding with the onset of rains, has added to residents’ frustration, as the busy stretch leading to Aranganathan Subway and Old Mambalam Road remains blocked.
The delay has also hit small businesses hard. Local shop owners and mechanics have seen footfall plummet as the area remains cordoned off for the ongoing work. Many have expressed fears that the hurried attempt to finish before the rains could compromise the quality and durability of the drains, creating fresh maintenance problems later.
Corporation engineers confirmed that all road-cutting operations are complete and assured that the remaining stretch of the drain would be finished shortly. However, the visible haste with which the project is being wrapped up has not eased public apprehensions.
Elsewhere in the city, similar complaints have surfaced. On Konnur High Road, the ongoing SWD construction has narrowed traffic lanes, leading to persistent congestion and fears that even light rainfall could paralyse movement in the Ayanavaram area.
Officials from the SWD department maintain that no new work has been initiated and that efforts are concentrated on completing ongoing projects safely, using barricades to prevent accidents. Yet, with the monsoon setting in and key drains still under construction, Chennai faces another test of its preparedness -- one that will determine whether the extensive investments in flood control can withstand the season’s first true downpour.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I live near Ayanavaram and the traffic situation is already terrible. Konnur High Road has become a nightmare. If it rains even slightly, we'll be stuck for hours. Corporation should have completed this work months ago!
While I understand the frustration, let's also acknowledge that changing alignment plans mid-project due to resident concerns shows some responsiveness. However, the timing and communication could definitely be better managed.
My uncle runs a small shop in Saidapet. His business has dropped 70% because of the road closures. These delays are literally taking food off people's tables. Hope the corporation compensates affected businesses somehow. ðŸ™
After the 2015 floods, we expected better planning. It's disappointing to see the same pattern repeating. Proper urban planning requires foresight, not last-minute panic work. Chennai deserves better infrastructure management.
The real concern is quality compromise. When they rush work, the drains get clogged faster and we face the same problems next year. Better to delay and do it properly than create permanent issues. 💧
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