CM Edappadi K Palaniswami assures lasting solution for water stagnation
CHENNAI: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday reiterated his promise that the State government would take firm measures to prevent water stagnation in low-lying areas and said implementation of a three-phase project for laying stormwater drains at a total cost of Rs 4,034 crore was going on.
The Chief Minister said this while addressing the press after reviewing the precautionary measures taken to deal with the Northeast monsoon. He said the first phase of laying stormwater drains was over and next two phases would be completed in the coming months. Next round of works in this regard would start once the monsoon got over.
In the first phase, an amount of Rs 1,101 crore was allocated for laying 386 km of stormwater drains and work on over 300 km was already over. The rest would be completed soon. Similarly, the stormwater drain in Kosasthalai river estuary would be completed at a cost of Rs 1,887 crore, while a similar project at Kovalam estuary would be carried out at a cost of Rs 1,234 crore.
Answering a question, the CM said the government had sent a report on the funds required to complete the works for preventing water stagnation. He expressed confidence that Centre would provide required funds.
On the charge that rainwater had stagnated in residential areas only due to encroachments, Palaniswami said the houses in such areas were built many years ago.
“As far as Chennai is concerned, up to 25 sq km area is occupied by buildings. When there is heavy rain, the water can flow only through the roads. The drainage facility can withstand only 4 cm rain. Not only in Tamil Nadu, at the global level, in urban areas, only canals have been provided to drain stormwater. When there is a heavy rain, it flows on the roads and hence water stagnates in low-lying areas,” Palaniswami said.
To a question on the project to save one tmc ft of water in a reservoir near Chennai, Palaniswami said owners of a few stretches had been objecting to hand over the lands. Talks were on in this connection and it would be over within five months.
Palaniswami added, “This is no cyclone or flood. It is monsoon rain. So far, 56.6 cm (75 per cent) of rain has been received, that means the rain to be received in three months have been received in five days.”
Be vigilant
Some of the key government instructions to officials to deal with monsoon-related incidents
If electricity junction boxes are found in low-lying areas with water stagnation, disconnect power supply and shift boxes
Take extra care to prevent communicable diseases
Make protected drinking water available to the people
Otteri canal should be desilted immediately to enable easy flow
Take steps to store in ponds the water stagnating in low-lying areas located nearby
Last date for insuring Samba crops is Nov 30. So officials should ensure that maximum number of farmers join the crop insurance scheme before deadline