Residents Warn of Incomplete Storm Water Links Despite Progress in Chennai
Chennai's flood‑prevention drive is gaining momentum, yet community voices are raising alarms about unfinished sections that could undermine the city's safety during the approaching monsoon.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) reports that 33 of the city's 44 main canals are undergoing renovation, backed by a budget of ₹295.25 crore. Work includes removing debris, strengthening retaining walls and installing protective fencing. While 28 canals have reached completion, critical stretches such as Trustpuram, Oterri Nullah, Virugambakkam, Reddi Kuppam and Captain Cotton are projected to be wrapped up by 15 October.
Storm‑water drainage projects are also on the fast‑track. The Demeloz Road drainage line aims for a 30 September finish, and the Ambattur surplus diversion channel linking East Avenue Road to Oterri Nullah is slated for 15 October.
GCC officials have identified 155 missing links in the storm‑water network. Of the approximately 140 km of incomplete segments, 103 km are already in place, leaving the remaining portions to be finished by 30 September. Under the Integrated Storm‑Water Drain (ISWD) Phase‑1 to 3 scheme, 264.20 km of the planned 310 km have been constructed, with the final crucial parts scheduled for completion by 15 October.
The Integrated Urban Flood Management project for the Kosasthalaiyar basin—covering Tiruvottriyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tiruvika and Anna Nagar—is 99.6 % complete. Out of the 636 km network, 633.46 km is already built, with the whole scheme expected to close this month.
Nevertheless, residents and NGOs contend that many neighborhoods still risk flooding. They argue that several drainage links remain unconnected, certain storm‑water channels are still open‑ended, and canal cleaning has not been thorough. The groups also criticize poor inter‑departmental coordination, citing hazards like dangling electric wires, incorrectly fitted catch‑pit covers and drainage systems that do not function effectively in several localities.
Other initiatives progressing in the city include the Kovalam basin ISWD project (89 % done, targeted for February 2027), the Arcot Road storm‑water drain (expected by October), the Kadhapakkam lake eco‑restoration in Manali (80 % finished), and the Madhavaram storm‑water drain linked to the Puzhal surplus canal, planned for September 2026.