Chennai Corporation’s Proactive Shield: Identifying 40 Vulnerable Zones for Monsoon Preparedness
Chennai on High Alert: GCC Announces Strategic Plan to Combat Monsoon Challenges
A street in Anna Nagar remains inundated after heavy rains lashed Chennai last week, highlighting the critical need for robust monsoon management. [Photo Credit: VEDHAN M]
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan unveiled a comprehensive strategy on July 8, 2024, to tackle the city’s monsoon challenges. The announcement comes after Chennai experienced extreme rainfall in a short span, with Sholinganallur receiving 12.5 cm and North Chennai 9 cm within one to two hours in June. While all subway paths under GCC remained operational, rainwater is efficiently channeled into the city’s four primary outflow routes: Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum, Adyar, and Kovalam.
Despite these efforts, several low-lying areas struggle with temporary waterlogging. To address this, the GCC has identified 40 vulnerable regions and is actively pumping out accumulated water using motor pumps. Commissioner Radhakrishnan also acknowledged that ongoing civic projects in wards 186, 187, 2, and 7 are contributing to waterlogged and slushy conditions. Task forces have been formed to tackle these issues promptly.
Expanded city areas like Perungudi, Pallikaranai, and Madipakkam face significant challenges due to ongoing developmental work, including stormwater drains and sewage projects. The Public Health department is also conducting medical camps focusing on preventing monsoon-related health issues such as fever and diarrhoea. Recent outbreaks in Saidapet and Pulianthope were swiftly managed with necessary medical interventions.
With heightened dengue fever cases in neighboring Karnataka, the GCC has intensified mosquito control efforts across Chennai. These measures include using 362 spray machines, 69 power sprayers, 202 battery-operated sprayers, 238 hand-operated fogging machines, two small fogging units, and 65 vehicle-mounted fogging machines.
"The Chennai Corporation remains committed to mitigating the monsoon impact through rapid response and proactive health measures," said Commissioner Radhakrishnan, ensuring residents that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the city’s health and infrastructure during the intense monsoon season.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-corporation-identifies-40-low-lying-areas-for-monsoon-preparedness/article68380894.ece
Category : Chennai
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