The Water Resources Department (WRD) of Tamil Nadu has initiated a series of integrated flood mitigation projects across Chennai and its contiguous districts. With an allocated budget of ₹338 crore for the financial year 2025-26, these comprehensive schemes target chronic waterlogging issues in key urban and semi-urban zones of Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. This substantial investment underscores the state’s commitment to building long-term climate resilience, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and fostering more sustainable urban habitats in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
A substantial portion of the allocated funds, ₹260 crore, has been earmarked specifically for Chennai, reflecting the city’s vulnerability to monsoon inundation. A critical component of this investment is a dedicated flood alleviation project for the Ambattur Industrial Estate, a vital commercial hub that has historically borne the brunt of severe waterlogging, incurring significant economic losses. This targeted intervention aims to secure business continuity and protect the industrial backbone of the metropolitan area, ensuring that economic activity can thrive even during adverse weather conditions.
The integrated flood management strategy extends beyond mere repair, focusing on fundamental enhancements to Chennai’s hydraulic infrastructure. This includes the strategic construction of drains and culverts designed to establish a dedicated flood release channel from the South Buckingham Canal, near Okkiyam Maduvu, directly to the Bay of Bengal. This engineering feat is expected to alleviate pressure on surrounding residential zones by significantly enhancing water outflow during periods of heavy rainfall, thereby preventing widespread urban inundation and protecting vulnerable communities.
Crucially, the projects also encompass vital flood relief works around the ecologically sensitive Pallikaranai marshland, allocated ₹91 crore. These initiatives involve the construction of new drainage infrastructure and efforts to improve the marshland’s natural outflow capabilities. Recognising the marshland’s critical role as a natural flood buffer and a vital urban green space, these works are pivotal for both ecological preservation and urban flood management. Furthermore, macro drainage works along the tributaries of the the Adyar River have commenced with a budget of ₹35 crore, alongside the formation of a riverine reservoir and rehabilitation of the Somangalam tributary in Kundrathur taluk, costing ₹20 crore, collectively bolstering the city’s natural drainage systems.
Beyond Chennai, Tiruvallur district is set to benefit from five major flood mitigation works totalling ₹91 crore, improving conditions in localities such as Tiruninravur and parts of Avadi. This includes the strengthening of the Arani River bund with an investment of ₹8.5 crore and protective bank works to mitigate flooding in the Tiruttani area. These geographically dispersed projects highlight a holistic, region-wide approach to flood preparedness, recognising that interconnected water systems necessitate comprehensive solutions that transcend municipal boundaries.
The integrated nature of these projects, conceived as a core component of the State Budget, is designed to create enduring resilience against urban and peri-urban flooding across the entire Chennai metropolitan region. By investing in robust drainage, revitalising natural water bodies, and fortifying riverine infrastructure, Tamil Nadu is not merely responding to past challenges but proactively shaping a more climate-adaptive future. These efforts are crucial for building equitable and safe cities, ensuring that all citizens, irrespective of their location, are afforded enhanced protection against environmental hazards, paving the way for sustainable urban development in a changing climate.
Also Read: Kochi Clears 3.6 Km Tetrapod Seawall Project Worth Rs 306 Crore
