Chennai Faces Growing Waterblock Crisis as Encroachments Continue to Obstruct Canals and Drains
Chennai’s stormwater drains (SWDs) and canals are facing an unprecedented threat as encroachments along major water channels persist, and regular desilting efforts remain inadequate. This dual challenge is putting significant strain on the city’s ability to manage its water systems, exacerbating the risks of flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. Key zones such as Tondiarpet, Tiruvottiyur, and Anna Nagar are struggling to address the encroachments that block the flow of water, preventing essential desilting activities and further deepening the crisis.
In several areas, including Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, authorities have identified hundreds of illegal constructions that have encroached on vital stormwater channels. One of the most prominent examples is the Gandhi Canal in Taramani, where 118 encroachments have been noted. Despite official plans to address this issue, the process is hindered by a lack of funds for alternative housing for those affected, further delaying any real action. The Kolathur Canal, under the jurisdiction of the Water Resources Department (WRD), has yet to be surveyed, illustrating the lack of uniformity in efforts to tackle encroachments across the city. The absence of a comprehensive survey to track encroachments across all zones is one of the primary factors exacerbating this issue. Senior officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have admitted that no unified data exists on the extent of encroachments in each of the city’s 15 zones. This has led to a fragmented approach, with the Revenue and Finance departments primarily overseeing the issue through zonal authorities, but not directly managing the surveillance of encroachments. For instance, in Kodambakkam Zone, no surveys have been initiated, and in West Mambalam’s Jothi Nagar, nearly 100 illegal tenements have been built over a stormwater drain.
This lack of uniformity in addressing encroachments is coupled with the dire need for a robust underground drainage system, which would prevent sewage from directly flowing into the SWDs. As it stands, the lack of such a system has compounded the problem, especially during heavy rainfall, when the stormwater channels become overwhelmed by both stormwater and untreated sewage. This exacerbates the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, where encroachments along canals have restricted the flow of water.
Desilting efforts have also been stymied by encroachments. The construction of concrete ramps and other structures over SWDs has made it difficult for workers to clear these channels effectively. These structures are demolished during desilting, only to reappear despite repeated warnings. The GCC has struggled to enforce the removal of such obstructions due to the lack of police support and resistance from residents, some of whom have built their homes over these vital water channels. While encroachments are undoubtedly contributing to the blockage of watercourses, experts argue that the primary reason for the persistent flooding is the failure to maintain and deepen the city’s water bodies and SWDs throughout the year. R. Loganathan, a CPI (M) leader in North Chennai, pointed out that desilting is often done hastily just before the onset of monsoon rains, rather than as part of a consistent, year-round programme. This short-term approach to desilting fails to address the underlying infrastructure needs, which could better withstand the monsoon’s fury if managed properly.
The social implications of large-scale evictions for encroachment removal cannot be overlooked. Many of the people living in these areas are low-income families and shopkeepers who depend on their homes and businesses for survival. Evictions would disrupt their lives and have a detrimental effect on children’s schooling and families’ livelihoods. There is also a growing sentiment among residents that relocating for a few months of flooding isn’t a justifiable solution. As a result, efforts to clear encroachments have met with considerable resistance. Despite these challenges, Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar has maintained that the GCC is actively working to clear encroachments and that the Corporation has the authority to continue these efforts. However, the debate around the root causes of Chennai’s flooding crisis remains ongoing. Experts agree that a more coordinated approach to both eviction and desilting, coupled with a better underground drainage system, is crucial for ensuring that Chennai’s infrastructure can withstand the challenges posed by its rapid urbanisation and changing climate.
Ultimately, Chennai’s drainage issues are not just a matter of urban management but also a question of equity and environmental sustainability. A comprehensive approach that integrates environmental planning, social justice, and long-term infrastructure solutions is critical to mitigating the city’s water-related challenges. The need for a unified strategy to address encroachments, coupled with better maintenance and regular desilting, could prove pivotal in reducing flooding risks and ensuring that the city’s waterways function as they should.
