Urgent Call to Action: Minister Urges Civic Agencies to Fast-Track Life-Saving Infrastructure Projects in Flood-Prone Areas Before Northeast Monsoon

Civic agencies in Chennai are set to fast-track infrastructure projects ahead of the northeast monsoon to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas. HR&CE and CMDA Minister P.K. Sekarbabu convened a meeting with officials to accelerate projects including stormwater drains, EB sub-stations, schools, Metrowater pipelines, and bus stands in flood-prone areas like Kolathur. Eight bus stands in regions such as Mullai Nagar, R.K. Nagar, Ambattur, T. Nagar, and Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar will see expedited work. Additionally, nine schools will receive infrastructure upgrades to double as flood relief centers during the monsoon. Many of the 420 schools under the Greater Chennai Corporation are in flood-prone zones, where persistent waterlogging has been an issue during past monsoons.

To tackle incomplete projects, Sekarbabu instructed civic agencies to prioritize flood mitigation and address issues at Metro Rail construction sites. Specifically, a 1 km stormwater drain project on Peravallur Road will be expedited. Efforts are also underway to prevent monsoon-related issues at Metrowater construction sites aimed at enlarging pipeline dimensions from 4 to 9 inches. Civic agencies are directed to restore each stretch of road after pipeline work before beginning new sections.

Additionally, GCC Mayor R. Priya inspected flood mitigation efforts in Veerangal Odai, stressing the need to expedite work to prevent flooding in southern parts of the city including AGS Colony. This proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and ensure civic infrastructure readiness ahead of the monsoon season.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/civic-agencies-to-complete-infrastructure-projects-in-flood-prone-areas-ahead-of-northeast-monsoon-says-minister/article68472723.ece
Category : Chennai
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