In view of the rains predicted in the next 24 hours due to depression in Bay of Bengal, the Corporation of Chennai on Friday conducted a special session to check the preparedness of each ward councillor.
The meeting, which was chaired by Mayor Saidai Duraisamy and Corporation Commissioner Vikram Kapur, was also attended by councillors through video-conferencing. The councillors were asked about their preemptive efforts.
The councillors informed that measures had been taken to clear sewerage canals in the city, desilt them and clear blockages. Keeping in mind the damage caused by fallen trees during the previous monsoon and this year’s pre-monsoon season, the councillors were instructed to keep power saws ready to chop fallen trees without causing hindrance to traffic, besides taking victims to relief centres. They were also asked to ensure that the people rescued and taken to safety were given food, water and medical services.
The councillors were also asked to deploy more motors to drain out stagnated water from important subways and other roads. The councillors informed that 200 HP motors were installed at low-lying areas to remove water and water suction tankers had also been deployed.
The councillors were asked to put up health camps with adequate stock of medicines and station doctors to ensure maximum safety.
The councillors also informed that special monsoon services will be provided at various department-specific helpline numbers. The session was also attended by IAS officers Vijay Vingle and R Anand Kumar.