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The city of Chennai, India, continued to grapple with widespread flooding despite a lull in rainfall on Wednesday. Areas like Korattur, Vyasarpadi, Perambur, Choolai, and Purasawalkam remained submerged, prompting residents to question the effectiveness of the stormwater drainage system and its maintenance. The issue of reverse flow in the stormwater drains (SWDs) was highlighted by S. Sekaran, secretary of Korattur Aeri Pathukappu Iyakkam, who emphasized the need for proper design aligned with the region's topography and the expansion of surplus channels to ensure smooth floodwater flow.
Residents in Vyasarpadi, Perambur, and Choolai lamented the annual recurrence of flooding, attributing it to inadequate drainage infrastructure. They pointed to the lack of timely desilting and the accumulation of waste in the SWDs, particularly near Jeeva Subway, as contributing factors. In Purasawalkam, desilting efforts were hampered by ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Chennai Metro Rail work.
The Federation of Anna Nagar Residents' Associations echoed concerns about gaps in the SWD network within Anna Nagar and the detrimental impact of inadequate desilting. Residents in west Velachery, including AGS Colony, Netaji Nagar, Saraswathi Nagar, and Nehru Nagar, faced flooding despite the installation of a heavy-duty motor by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to pump water into the Veerangal Odai. The closure of a temporary canal, typically excavated through a private vacant site compound wall, further exacerbated the situation.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) identified low-level bridges in Otteri Nullah and Virugambakkam Arumbakkam canal as obstacles hindering the free flow of floodwater, resulting in water stagnation. Despite these challenges, GCC officials reported that water levels in several areas had receded by Wednesday, and efforts were underway to pump out water from 130 flooded locations across the city.
B. Sakthivel, a hydrologist and consultant, attributed the minimal flooding during this monsoon spell to the relatively low flow in major waterways and ample free storage levels in waterbodies upstream of the city limits. He urged the authorities to focus on enhancing the storage capacity of waterbodies to mitigate inundation caused by climate change-induced intense rainfall.
Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar highlighted the role of overflowing waterways, including Captain Cotton Canal and Veerangal Odai, in hindering water flow into major drains. He also attributed the blockage of SWDs to the accumulation of waste, including pumpkins, that flowed into the drainage system from open dumps during the festive season. The deputy mayor cited a sharp decline in conservancy worker attendance due to the festive season, resulting in only 40% of staff members being present to clear garbage.