Chalk out area-specific plan to avoid floods, CM to panel
Stalin says Smart City project led to several areas getting inundated in Chennai
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, on Friday, said that each area in Chennai requires a specific storm water drainage plan and members of the Committee on Mitigation and Management of Flood Risk in Chennai city should devise a scheme accordingly.
Stalin held the first meeting with members of the recently formed committee to prevent flood in Chennai and there he was briefed about the recent flood situation and requirements of the committee.
“Storm water drainage is the main reason behind Chennai’s severe inundation issues. Not all areas have a proper system and the members of the committee should analyse requirements of each area individually. The report on analysis and planning should be submitted at the earliest and should not take months and action needs to be taken at the earliest,” Stalin said in the meeting.
He also said the implementation of the ‘Smart City’ project has resulted in flooding not just in areas like T Nagar but also in Thoothukudi. “In Thoothukudi I was stunned at the knowledge of a 65-year-old woman who explained about the inflow of water to their area and the way for it to get drained. It seems the locals have better knowledge about waterways and drainage channels than officials and the committee should tap the knowledge,” said Stalin. He underscored his government’s preparations ahead of the onset of northeast monsoon on October 25 and work taken up by the government amid rains to avoid inundation.
He recalled his inspections in rain battered northern, delta and the southern districts and lauded government officials and employees for their hard work, which he said minimised the damage when compared to previous years. Pointing to damage “in front of our eyes” vis-a-vis rains, he said a “permanent solution should be found” and that is why the government has set up the panel.
Six new members appointed:
A GO was issued adding six new members in the Committee on Mitigation and Management of Flood Risk in Chennai Metro. Along with the already existing 12 members, Director of Environment, Chief Planner, CMDA, Chief Planner, Town and Country Planning Organisation, Delhi, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Chief Engineer, Highways Department and Director of National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad have been added as members.