Udhayanidhi Stalin Urges Bold Action: Ensure Safe Vehicle Parking on High Ground During Monsoons!
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted an inspection of flood preparedness initiatives across various locations in Chennai on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgent need for officials to expedite their efforts in anticipation of heavy rainfall. Following his assessment, he highlighted the importance of establishing safe parking spaces for residents in flood-prone areas, a recurring issue exacerbated during the monsoon season when many have resorted to parking vehicles on elevated structures like flyovers.
On social media, Mr. Udhayanidhi stated, “We have inspected areas where significant rainfall has been recorded, including a low-lying region near the Velachery MRTS railway station, and advised authorities to implement preventive measures.” The Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks come in response to past incidents where residents were forced to leave their vehicles on flyovers due to flooding, prompting traffic police to plan a detailed press release that will outline guidelines for safe vehicle parking during monsoon periods.
The Chennai Corporation is proactively exploring options for safe parking spaces situated on higher ground, aimed at safeguarding vehicles during floods. Councillor J. John from Ward 84 noted that many residents lost their cars last monsoon simply due to a lack of information regarding safe parking areas. “In old Korattur Village, our streets remain unaffected by floods because they are elevated compared to newly developed regions,” he clarified. John further urged Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials to collaborate with traffic police to disseminate a list of designated safe streets for parking.
In a similar vein, A. Francis, president of the Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents Welfare Associations, voiced concerns about flooding in their community. Last monsoon, many parked vehicles along the 200-foot radial road connecting Thoraipakkam to Pallavaram, while other sections were flooded. “Our areas often experience floodwaters exceeding four feet in height. We urgently need boats,” he expressed, emphasizing the necessity for better communication regarding flood risks.
During his inspection, Mr. Udhayanidhi also evaluated critical infrastructure projects aimed at flood mitigation. According to an official release, the Deputy Chief Minister toured dredging activities beneath the Karapakkam bridge at Okkiyam Maduvu, aimed at preventing flooding issues. Ongoing work to widen the waterway near a private college was also on the agenda. He directed Water Resources Department officials to prioritize the completion of a retaining wall designed to hold back floodwaters near Kannagi Nagar.
Additionally, Mr. Udhayanidhi inspected a newly constructed bridge by the Highways Department, which connects Sholinganallur and Medavakkam. This development aims to facilitate better water flow from adjacent marshlands during monsoon seasons while also easing traffic congestion. He instructed officials to dismantle an old bridge that was contributing to flooding.
Mr. Udhayanidhi also called for accelerated work on a ₹27 crore project facilitating the flow of floodwaters from the Pallikaranai marshland through Okkiyam Maduvvu. His itinerary included an assessment of canal widening efforts near the metro rail construction site at Karapakkam. Accompanying him were key officials, including Special Implementation Department Additional Chief Secretary Pradeep Yadav, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran, and Water Resources Department Secretary J. Jayakanthan.
As Chennai prepares for the upcoming monsoon, the government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate flooding risks and ensure the safety of its residents.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/deputy-chief-minister-udhayanidhi-stalin-advises-officials-to-explore-feasibility-of-safe-parking-spaces-for-vehicles-on-high-ground-during-rain/article70186957.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-10-22 05:30:00
