CM Stalin Inspects Flood Mitigation Works in Chennai, Orders Speedy Completion

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, held a review meeting at the Secretariat on 19.05.2025 regarding the multi-departmental measures to be undertaken in low-lying areas of North-West Chennai prone to flooding. He directed officials to proactively complete precautionary works and ensure 24×7 functioning of zonal control rooms. He emphasized the readiness of rescue equipment and the effective use of communication systems.

The Chief Minister advised that early intervention based on past flood-affected zones would help mitigate future damages. He also instructed that ongoing stormwater drain construction, desilting of canals, and restoration of water bodies in Greater Chennai Corporation areas must be expedited before the monsoon.

On 20.05.2025, CM Stalin personally inspected several key works under Chennai Corporation limits, including desilting at Cooum River near Gold Dust, stormwater drainage works at Sathallas Nagar, and improvement of the Otteri Nullah canal. He also visited a shade structure construction site at Saidapet.

He reviewed works such as:

• Desilting of 17.3 km stretch of Buckingham Canal using an excavator-mounted Exmat machine in Kalyanapuram.
• Stormwater drainage project worth ₹17.56 crore from Munroe Canal to Buckingham Canal covering areas like Angalamman Koil, Raja Muthiah Road, and M.M. Garden in Wards 73, 76, and 77.
• Upgradation of 10.3 km long Otteri Nullah, including strengthening of embankments and construction of new retaining walls.
• Provision of two water holding areas, 3.3 m wide and 1.7 m deep, to temporarily hold water without disrupting railway works at Samudram.

He emphasized completing these initiatives before the onset of the monsoon to ensure uninterrupted water flow and prevent flooding. At Saidapet, he reviewed the ongoing shade construction and reiterated the need for efficient workforce utilization and timely project execution under the allocated monsoon preparedness funds.

The inspection was attended by Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Thiru P.K. Sekarbabu, Chennai Mayor Ms. R. Priya, MP Dr. Kalanidhi Veerasamy, MLA Thiru J. Karunanidhi, GCC Commissioner Thiru S. Kumaragurubaran IAS, Metro Water MD Dr. T.G. Vinay IAS, and senior civic officials.