In Chennai, ECR residents do not want an integrated SWD project - Whats happening?
Posted on: 27/Aug/2022 10:04:56 AM
It is known that GCC or Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to construct an integrated storm water drain or SWD on the east Coast Road or ECR in Chennai. The ECR residents are against the construction of SWD and they have been protesting against the plan of GCC.
In Neelankarai on Friday, a public meeting was organised by GCC authorities. It is learnt that the representatives of the residents welfare associations noted that the south coast of Kovalam basin M3 component did not require SWD network due to the presence of sandy soil in the localities. The rain water percolation was fast.
Natural drainage system was retained to prevent the intrusion of seawater. This was as per Mr. Ramesh Babu of VGP Golden Seaview Layout in Palavakkam. He threw light on how the SWD would also affect the groundwater recharge in the localities. The detailed project report or DPR details were not shared with the residents. Placards were held by many protestors and they demanded the GCC to provide them with DPR before organising any further meetings etc.
The integrated SWD project did not include west side areas but residents belonging to the west side of the road areas were also invited for the meeting. This led to confusion. All the residents must give their consent for the project and this was mentioned by Mr. Balu who belongs to Spark, a civic forum.
It must be taken into account that the integrated SWD project predicted draining floodwater from the places along ECR directly into the sea. Not only the groundwater table would get affected by this but coastal habitats would get destroyed also. By this, the fishing community would get affected.
The SWD project would also affect the nesting grounds of Olive Ridley turtles and this was according to some residents belonging to ECR. For the implementation of the SWD project, GCC has assured that the opinions of the majority of the residents would be considered and this was as per the participants. It must be recalled that this project has been in controversy from the previous AIADMK government itself with lots of opposition from the residents.
