Chennai Monsoon Preparedness: 95% of Storm Water Drain Works Completed, GCC Targets September-End Deadline

With the Northeast Monsoon approaching, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is speeding up the completion of storm water drain (SWD) projects across the city. Officials said around 1,314 km of the planned 1,385-km drainage network has been completed, taking overall progress to nearly 95%.

The remaining works are targeted for completion by the end of September, ahead of the monsoon season. The various drainage projects taken up since 2022 have involved an estimated investment of ₹6,066.80 crore.

Kosasthalaiyar Basin Drainage Works Near Completion

The Kosasthalaiyar Basin storm water drainage project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, is among the major projects nearing completion. Around 651.10 km of the planned 652.40 km network has been completed at a cost of ₹3,059 crore.

Under the Kovalam Basin project, funded by KfW, around 272.80 km of the planned 310 km has been completed, leaving 37.20 km of work.

The Capital Fund projects have covered around 120.10 km of the planned 131.70 km, with an expenditure of ₹470.50 crore.

Arcot Road Drainage Project Faces Delay

The Arcot Road storm water drain project remains one of the major pending works. Only 7.20 km of the planned 18 km has been completed under the ₹103-crore project.

The 18-km stretch has been divided into 18 packages. Officials said traffic restrictions have limited construction activity to the midnight-to-4 AM window, contributing to delays.

The proposed drainage network will divert rainwater towards the Virugambakkam Canal and Cooum River, while another section will carry water through Porur towards the Adyar River.

The GCC has also planned to deploy high-capacity pumps as a contingency measure in areas around Porur and near Metro stations between Porur and Nandambakkam.

Missing Drainage Links Remain a Concern

Despite substantial progress in storm water drain construction, missing links between completed drains remain an issue in several parts of Chennai.

Around 105 locations have reportedly been identified where storm water drain connections are missing. Drainage links have been completed at 37 locations, while work remains pending at 68 locations.

Residents have also highlighted missing connections in several neighbourhoods, including parts of Jai Hind Nagar, Sannathi Street, Adi Dravidar Colony, Erneshwarar Nagar, Bajanai Koil Street and Mettu Street.

Chennai Identifies 219 Vulnerable Flood Areas

As part of Chennai monsoon preparedness 2026, the GCC has identifified 219 vulnerable zones, including parts of OMR and ECR that have experienced flooding during previous monsoons.

The Corporation has inspected 215 relief centres, including schools, marriage halls and multipurpose halls. More than 1,320 motor pumps have also been kept ready for emergency water removal.

The GCC has 38 boats of its own, while additional boats have been arranged through the Fisheries Department and local fishermen for emergency rescue operations.

River and Waterbody Desilting Underway

The Water Resources Department is carrying out desilting work at major river mouths and waterways, including areas around the Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum, Adyar and Kovalam basins.

Desilting works are also being undertaken in Chennai`s waterbodies, including the Adyar, Cooum and Buckingham Canal, to improve water flow ahead of the Northeast Monsoon.

Northeast Monsoon Preparedness in Chennai

With forecasts indicating the possibility of normal to above-normal Northeast Monsoon rainfall, civic agencies are focusing on drainage works, desilting, flood-prone areas, emergency equipment and relief arrangements.

Completing the remaining storm water drain works and missing drainage connections before the monsoon will be an important part of Chennai`s flood preparedness efforts.