Corpn moots ponds along new drains to harvest rainwater

“Even though the storm water will drain into the sea, we are going to ensure the maximum harvesting. Apart from desilting the lakes along the storm water drains, we will dig new artificial ponds to recharge groundwater,” said L Nandakumar, superintending engineer (Storm Water Drain) of Greater Chennai Corporation.

The civic body has prepared detailed project reports (DPR) for M1 and M2 components of constructing storm water drains in Kovalam basin.

M1 and M2 comprise of areas around Pallikaranai and along South Buckingham Canal respectively.

Tenders have been floated for M3 component (52.5 kilometres), which comprises of Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai, Injambakkam, Uthandi and Sholinganallur at Rs 270 crore. In total, the German Development Bank (KfW) is funding Rs 1243.15 crore for 326Km-long storm water drains in the Kovalam basin.

“We have prepared the DPR for M1 and M2 and conducted an interim workshop to discuss the DPR with various departments such as Metro Rail, Highways and Public Works departments. Their suggestions were obtained during the meeting, which will be incorporated in the DPR. We have also discussed with the representatives of KfW through video conferencing,” Nandakumar added.

Meanwhile, the consultant preparing DPR said that roof areas in M1 and M2 component area would be utilised to recharge groundwater.

“By harvesting roof water, we can reduce flooding in those areas by seven per cent.”

When asked whether the new DPR would include a monitoring mechanism to prevent letting of sewage water into the storm water drains, Nandakumar said the drains would be concrete instead of constructing it with bricks. This would prevent letting wastewater, the official added.