Stormwater drain works to be completed in Chennai by Oct 15

CHENNAI: State Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran on Thursday said that the stormwater drain works in Chennai will be completed by October 15.

"As far as Chennai is concerned steps have been taken to complete the ongoing stormwater drain works by October 15 and the zonal monitoring officers are monitoring works with utmost care. 1.51 lakh frontline volunteers have been identified across the State. In 14 coastal districts and the Nilgiris district, 65,000 frontline rescuers were given training on rescue operations,” said the Minister, in a release.

Tamil Nadu receives an average of 448 metres of rainfall during the Northeast monsoon from October till December. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted that Tamil Nadu will receive 35 to 75 per cent additional rainfall when compared to the average rainfall this year.

To handle the scenario, Chief Minister MK Stalin and Ramachandran held repeated meetings with officials of Revenue Department and all the district administrations about the steps to be taken during the monsoon season. The Minister also said that under the 'Apthamitra' scheme 5,500 volunteers have been identified and training is given on search and rescue operations in 16 districts.

11 companies of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and five companies of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are kept ready for any disaster apart from the Fire and Rescue services who are also kept ready. 2,897 earthmovers, 2,115 generators, 483 motors to pump out water, 3,915 saws, 5,900 catamarans, 48,100 fiber boats and 5,800 motor boats are also kept ready for rescue services.