Chennai Monsoon Preparedness: GCC and Metro Water Intensify Drainage and Safety Measures

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) have intensified monsoon preparedness measures across Chennai ahead of the northeast monsoon. The initiatives include stormwater drainage clearance, hazardous tree branch removal, deployment of high-capacity pumps and increased drinking water quality testing to prevent waterlogging and protect public health.

GCC Steps Up Monsoon Safety Measures

On Tuesday, School Education Minister Raj Mohan inspected monsoon preparedness works on Jothi Venkatachalam Road in Ward 58, where hazardous tree branches were being trimmed. He also reviewed rainwater clearance operations on Alagappa Road, where 100 HP high-capacity suction pumps were deployed, and visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Ripon Building.

GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran inspected safety works at the Puzhal surplus canal on Madhavaram Red Hills Road. He reviewed completed stormwater drain works and instructed officials to maintain continuous monitoring.

As of October 20, the GCC had removed 78,161 tree branches across all zones as part of its monsoon safety drive.

In the Central Region, covering Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Teynampet and Kodambakkam zones, workers cleared branches from 731 trees at 50 locations on October 20 and 21. Medical camps are also being conducted across Chennai.

Metro Water Deploys 580 Machines for Drainage Clearance

The Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board has deployed 580 machines to support drainage and sewer maintenance operations during the monsoon.

The equipment includes:

- 289 desilting machines

- 73 high-speed suction vehicles

- 43 jetting-cum-sucker machines

- 173 jetting machines

Metro Water has also doubled its daily drinking water quality testing to 1,800 samples across 15 zones to help safeguard public health during the rainy season.

Additional Sewer Maintenance Equipment Planned

Metro Water has floated tenders under the Chief Minister`s Perambur Constituency Fund for additional equipment, including four desilting machines, two 2,000-litre jet rodding machines, four 9,000-litre jet rodding machines and three 8,000-litre Super Suckers.

An official told DT Next that vehicle procurement is generally based on operational requirements, completion of sewer lines in added areas and replacement of ageing equipment. Following an assessment, the department plans to procure 13 additional machines.

24/7 Monsoon Control Room in Chennai

Metro Water has established a 24-hour control room at its headquarters to respond to complaints and monitor sewerage-related issues. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring is alslso operational at all sewage pumping stations.

Residents experiencing drainage or sewerage problems can contact Metro Water through the following channels:

Helpline: 1916

WhatsApp: 8144930308

Residents are advised to report waterlogging, blocked drains and sewerage issues promptly to help civic authorities respond during the northeast monsoon.