CMRL takes flood mitigation measures forward of monsoon

Ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Chennai Metro Rail has readied practically 600 water pumps with various capacities to empty rainwater in case of flooding.

One of the most important infrastructure tasks below building within the metropolis is Chennai Metro Rail’s section II venture, which covers 118.9 km. In the previous, residents have identified that the development has led to flooding in fairly a couple of areas of the town.

According to officers of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in view of the upcoming monsoon, they may persistently monitor the water ranges throughout the town and within the three corridors of the section II venture — Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Light House to Poonamallee, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.

Water pumps mobilised

“The CMRL has mobilised 603 water pumps. If any space faces water stagnation, the pumps will likely be instantly deployed and the rainwater pumped into the closest drain,” an official stated.

In the 45.8-km stretch from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, 292 pumps will likely be deployed – 55 within the Madhavaram to Kellys part, 72 within the Kellys to Taramani part, 56 within the Moolakadai to Perambur part, 62 within the Otteri to Kellys part, 16 within the Kilpauk to Taramani part, 10 within the Nehru Nagar to Sholinganallur part, and 21 within the Sholinganallur to SIPCOT part.

For the 26.1-km Light House-Poonamallee stretch, 151 water pumps have been readied. Of them, 46 are meant for the Lighthouse to Boat Club part, 79 for Boat Club to Powerhouse, 20 for Powerhouse to Porur Bypass, and 6 for Porur Bypass to Poonamallee Bypass.

A complete of 160 pumps have been made out there for the 47-km Madhavaram-Sholinganallur stretch, with 110 for the Assisi Nagar to CMBT part, 31 for CMBT to Puzhuthivakkam part, and 19 for Puzhuthivakkam to Elcot part.

To stop floodwater from getting into the underground station website and tunnel, retaining partitions are being constructed across the station field utilizing bricks or cement blocks. Besides, 1,000 sand-filled gunny baggage will likely be made out there for all stations to stop the entry of water.

“This is essential to stop the tunnels from carrying water, as in 2015, and inundating areas. We have deliberate the mitigation measures accordingly, and it’ll not occur once more,” one other official stated.