Chennai sewage upgrade brings relief to Kolathur
After a decade of grappling with severe sewage issues and monsoon flooding, residents of Murugan Nagar in Chennai’s Kolathur can finally breathe a sigh of relief. As part of the ₹946.42 crore Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam (North Chennai Development Scheme), nearly 300 households across the first three streets of the neighbourhood are set to receive a proper sewage connection. This long-pending civic development marks a crucial milestone for the locality, which has endured persistent waterlogging, foul odours from overflowing septic tanks, and infrastructural neglect. Although initial government assurances were met with scepticism, construction work began almost immediately after a team from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) visited the area two weeks ago. Residents now express cautious optimism as they witness visible progress, with the stormwater drain work nearing completion.
The larger VCVT project aims to modernise North Chennai’s outdated sewage and water pipeline network. Of the total project outlay, ₹231.25 crore is allocated to improving water supply, while a substantial ₹715.18 crore is dedicated to strengthening the sewer infrastructure. This includes laying new pipelines, upgrading sewage pumping stations, and resolving chronic overflow problems that have plagued several localities. The contrast between Kolathur’s prolonged neglect and the current surge in civic action highlights the widening infrastructure gaps in Chennai’s expanding urban landscape. Compared to other zones that have seen steady pipeline upgrades, North Chennai has often remained overlooked, exacerbating its urban vulnerabilities. With the VCVT project now in motion, authorities must ensure timely execution to prevent further disruptions.
From a civic perspective, the lack of adequate sewage infrastructure has been a significant health and environmental hazard. During monsoons, waterlogging would mix with overflowing septic waste, exposing residents to unhygienic living conditions. Last year, Cyclone Fengal worsened the crisis when sewage leaks inundated several streets, creating a breeding ground for waterborne diseases. According to a 2022 Chennai Municipal Report, nearly 40% of North Chennai’s households still rely on outdated sewage systems, far behind the city’s more developed southern and central zones. The current project, while addressing an immediate need, also underscores the importance of a comprehensive urban infrastructure strategy that prevents such prolonged civic neglect in the future.
Sustainability plays a critical role in sewage management, as outdated and unplanned drainage systems contribute to environmental degradation. Proper sewage infrastructure reduces groundwater contamination, prevents untreated wastewater from seeping into natural water bodies, and improves overall urban resilience. Global urban development models emphasise integrated wastewater management, ensuring treated sewage is redirected for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and industrial cooling. If Chennai adopts similar practices, it could transform its outdated sewage network into a more sustainable system, reducing environmental impact while improving public health standards. With the GCC promising road relaying by March following sewage work completion, Kolathur residents remain hopeful that this long-overdue project will finally mark the beginning of a more resilient and well-planned urban future.
