Citizen Connect: Despite cut-and-cover drain project, streets continue to be flooded in Chitlapakkam

The residents of Chitlapakkam have urged the State government to take up certain works in addition to the cut-and-cover drain project to completely prevent flooding in the locality.

Except for few minor works, the Public Works Department has completed the cut-and-cover drain project that carries surplus water from Selaiyur and Chitlapakkam to Sembakkam lake. “For long years, we have been protesting against the flooding of the Chitlapakkam locality. After the Chief Minister’s visit in 2017, the cut-and-cover drain project was proposed and was subsequently executed by the PWD. The work was almost complete and substantially reduced flooding. Thanks to the PWD for completing the main drain work ahead of the northeast monsoon,” said P. Viswanathan, convenor, Chitlapakkam Residents’ Associations’ Coordination Committee.

He urged the PWD and the Chengalpattu district administration to take up further works to completely prevent flooding. “Even after the construction of the cut-and-cover drain project, certain streets were flooded during the recent rain,” he said. He also noted that a channel should be built north of Chitlapakkam so that the entire water from Selaiyur through the cut-and-cover drain project could be reduced. As part of the flood mitigation plan, several works are being implemented to provide relief to Chitlapakkam, Sembakkam and Selaiyur. Work will be taken up to construct a drain linking Chitlapakkam to Selaiyur lake. The office bearer of the Chitlapakkam Residents’ Associations’ Coordination Committee said that floodwater from Pachaimalai near Tambaram Sanatorium must also be linked to Chitlapakkam lake. All the missing links between the cluster of lakes must be connected to allow free flow of surplus water and prevent flooding. “The district administration should take steps to construct underground sewerage system at Chitlapakkam, Sembakkam and Tambaram to ensure that the sewage was not let into the storm water drain which in turn mixes with the Chitlapakkam and Sembakkam lakes,” Viswanathan said. A senior official of the Chengalpattu district administration said that the flood mitigation works are underway in Chitlapakkam and adjoining areas.