CM Vijay Inspects Chennai Command and Control Centre, Reviews Northeast Monsoon Preparedness

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay inspected the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Ripon Building in Chennai on Sunday to review the Greater Chennai Corporation`s (GCC) measures to tackle northeast monsoon rainfall and flooding.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) portfolio, reviewed rainfall data recorded since Saturday night, river and canal discharge levels, subway monitoring operations and the status of public grievances.

Following the inspection, Vijay chaired a review meeting attended by ministers and senior government officials. GCC Commissioner G S Sameeran briefed him on the relief measures undertaken after the heavy rainfall, including the distribution of food to residents in affected areas.

CM Vijay Directs Officials to Address Public Complaints

According to a government statement, the Chief Minister appreciated corporation officials for their efforts in managing the situation after the heavy downpour. He instructed the staff at the command centre to listen carefully to public complaints and take immediate action to resolve residents` problems.

Following extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Chennai from Saturday night to Sunday morning, the Chief Minister directed ministers to return to Chennai and supervise flood mitigation and relief operations.

Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna visited several locations to monitor the ongoing work.

Chennai Waterlogging Cleared at 35 Locations

According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, waterlogging was reported at 35 locations following the heavy rainfall. Corporation teams deployed standby motor pumps and cleared stagnant water at all the affected spots.

Heavy rain also caused trees to fall at 22 locations. Officials cleared the fallen trees to restore traffic movement. Rainwater accumulated in 22 subways was also removed to facilitate uninterrupted vehicular movement.

227 Relief Camps and 112 Community Kitchens Ready

To support residents in low-lying areas, the corporation has kept 227 relief camps and 112 central kitchens stocked with food supplies ready for use.

On Sunday, meals were distributed to approximately 13,500 people living in rain-affected areas.

These arrangements are intended to provide food and temporary shelter to residents if further heavy rainfall causes flooding or disrupts normal life.

Several Chennai Areas Face Heavy Waterlogging

Several neighbourhoods experienced severe waterlogging during the overnight downpour.

Tondiarpet: Waterlogging near the Vaidyanathan flyover left several two-wheelers and autorickshaws stranded before the water was cleared.

Vyasarpadi: Low-lying residential streets, including Mullai Nagagar and Golden Nagar, experienced knee-deep inundation.

Tiruvottiyur: Rainwater mixed with sewage accumulated on Glass Factory Road.

Velachery: AGS Colony and neighbouring areas experienced flooding of up to three feet before the water receded.

Residents have raised concerns about recurring flooding. G Shanmugavel, a Perambur resident, called for a permanent drainage solution to address the problem.

In Velachery, AI and IT Minister R Kumar inspected relief operations following the flooding.

Residents Seek Better Rainfall Monitoring

Geetha Ganesh, secretary of the AGS Colony Residents` Welfare Association, requested the installation of an automatic rain gauge (ARG) to improve localised rainfall monitoring and support flood-control planning.

The latest review highlights the need for coordinated emergency response, efficient drainage infrastructure and timely action on public grievances as Chennai prepares for the northeast monsoon.