Chennai’s ongoing battle with seasonal flooding in areas like Ambattur Industrial Estate, Pallikaranai, and OMR is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of a ₹338 crore allocation for flood relief projects. Water Resources Department Minister Duraimurugan made the announcement during a grant discussion in the state assembly, outlining plans to tackle the growing flood menace that has disrupted both daily life and industrial activities in these vulnerable regions.
The industrial area of Ambattur, which covers 1,400 acres, has been a recurrent victim of flooding. Last year, Cyclone Michaung inundated the region, with waters rising as high as four feet, primarily due to the absence of proper stormwater drainage systems. To address this, the state has earmarked ₹130 crore for projects that will establish new canals and drains to divert excess water. These drainage networks are designed to alleviate the pressure on Ambattur Lake and direct water flows into the Cooum River. Key features of this project include a 0.6 km stormwater drain from Ayapakkam Lake to Koladi Lake and another stretch from Koladi Lake to the Cooum River, diverting substantial amounts of water—423.6 cusecs from the former and 530 cusecs from the latter. The larger objective of these projects is to drastically reduce flooding incidents by efficiently channelling stormwater to more manageable bodies like the Cooum River. A notable proposal is a 5 km diversion drain from Ambattur surplus to the Cooum River, which is expected to divert 706 cusecs of water daily, further easing the region’s perennial flooding problem.
Another major project, valued at ₹91 crore, involves the construction of a cut-and-cover drain from the South Buckingham Canal near Okkiyam Maduvu directly to the sea. This initiative stems from recommendations by the Thiruppugazh Committee, aiming to prevent reverse water flow, which has long plagued areas like Pallikaranai. The reverse flow of water from the Kovalam basin into the Buckingham Canal has caused backwater inundation, further complicating flooding in OMR. By providing a clear diversion to the sea, this project aims to ensure smoother water flow, which will help protect the Pallikaranai marsh and surrounding areas.
With these measures, Chennai is taking significant strides towards preventing future floods, especially as the city continues to experience rapid urbanisation. However, the success of these projects will depend not only on the timely completion of these drainage systems but also on consistent maintenance to ensure long-term resilience against the challenges posed by urban flooding. The people of Chennai, who have long been waiting for a permanent solution to the recurring flood issues, are hopeful that these new infrastructure investments will bring tangible relief to their communities.
