They have demanded that flood mitigation work close to rivers, canals, and different waterbodies be taken up on the earliest.
Federation of #Varadharajapuram Residents’ Welfare Associations president V. Rajasekaran mentioned the group has written to the Kancheepuram Collector, demanding the speedy implementation of flood prevention efforts within the space.
“Residents are frightened in regards to the delay in developing a retaining wall to stop overflow from the #Adyar River in the course of the monsoon season. Last week, engineers inspected the placement and guaranteed us that the water hyacinth could be eliminated. However, they mentioned the retaining wall couldn’t be constructed because of a fund crunch,” mentioned Mr. Rajasekaran.
Water hyacinth is concern in #Adyar River | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Re-laying of roads
Residents additionally pointed to delays in re-laying roads broken by the rains. The #Varadharajapuram Link Road, which connects #Manimangalam Road and #Kundrathur Road, has deteriorated, and potholes and uneven surfaces have elevated the chance of accidents within the Rayappa Nagar space.
They mentioned the situation of the highway was poor throughout final yr’s monsoon as nicely. Despite repeated requests to the Highways Department over the previous yr, the highway has not been re-laid but, they alleged.
Similarly, in Rayappa Nagar, bitumen-treated roads similar to Ambrose IAS Road and Balasundaram IAS Road have additionally not been re-laid.
Residents additional demanded that civic companies expedite work on the examine dam in Amarambedu to mitigate flooding.
MDMK councillor S. Jeevan mentioned the residents additionally wished the work on linking Nehru Nagar #Canal with #Kodungaiyur #Canal to be expedited forward of Northeast monsoon. “Work on a three-feet-high retaining wall alongside the #Kodungaiyur #Canal has began alongside a 1,350-metre stretch. Over 75% work has been accomplished. Residents have requested that the work be accomplished forward of the monsoon,” mentioned Mr. Jeevan.
Removal of encroachments
Residents have additionally burdened the necessity for the elimination of encroachments alongside canals similar to Erukkencherry. Independent researcher O.M. Murali mentioned greenery needs to be developed alongside waterbodies after clearing the encroachments.
Residents from the southern components of the town, in the meantime, have taken to social media to spotlight civic points associated to waterbodies, notably encroachments and air pollution. One resident shared how the Seine River in France has been efficiently reworked, emphasising the necessity for comparable restoration efforts in Chennai and its suburbs.
“The authorities reportedly spent round ₹1,405 crore on the eco-restoration of the Seine River in France. However, regardless of the allocation of funds over a number of a long time, the eco-restoration of Chennai’s waterways, together with the Cooum, Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar, and Buckingham #Canal, stays a major problem,” a resident posted on social media.
Campaign in opposition to air pollution
Members of the Korattur Eri Pathukappu Makkal Iyakkam have introduced the launch of a marketing campaign in opposition to air pollution of the waterbody. Similarly, the Save Pallikaranai Marshland Forum has introduced a sequence of protests demanding the restoration of the marshland to assist flood mitigation.
AIADMK councillor J. John mentioned the chance of flooding was excessive in Korattur this yr owing to the delay in implementation of three culverts between Korattur and Pattaravakkam railway stations.
“The Railways has given the NoC for the development of the three culverts. The Chennai Corporation Regional Deputy Commissioner inspected the world final week and mentioned the GCC will assemble just one culvert this yr. The remaining might be constructed later. This delay will result in flooding of Korattur in the course of the monsoon. The water from 5 lakes in areas similar to Thiruninravur, Avadi, Ayapakkam and Ambattur has to succeed in Korattur lake, which has shrunk from 900 acres to 600 acres. The current infrastructure permits solely 10% discharge throughout floods,” he mentioned.
SIDCO industries reported a lack of ₹2,000 crore in the course of the earlier floods. The trade representatives had met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, and the Railways agreed to assemble the culverts. Unless the Chennai Corporation pays cash to the Railways for his or her building, the flood mitigation work is not going to be accomplished, mentioned Mr. John.
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