'Chennai can withstand flood, prevention work in fast-track mode'

TIRUCHY: Flood prevention activities across the State, especially in Chennai, have been initiated before the monsoon and they are slowed down due to the UGD, drinking water pipeline and electric lines. However, works are accelerated to complete on time to withstand floods, said the minister KN Nehru here on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the water flow at Upper Anicut (Mukkombu) and instructing the officials to be alert round the clock, KN Nehru said that Chennai can withstand any flood as works are on superfast pace as per the recommendations of the V Thirupugazh committee to mitigate it.

“The works seem to be slowing due to some practical hindrance as they should be negotiated with the underground electric line, Metrowater line and UGD. Still, we have called a meeting with the contractors and clearly instructed them to complete the works on time,” Nehru said.

He also said that the works are being monitored directly by the Chief Minister and so they have been going on in a fast-track mode.

“Chennai city can now withstand any flood and we have arranged motors in the low-lying areas and before the monsoon gets to its peak, the works would be completed,” the minister said.

“Roads would be laid only after the UGD, drinking water and sewage water connections. As many as 576 road works are sanctioned, of which 276 works have been completed and the remaining would be done gradually. We have thought of completing them before the monsoon,” he said and added that works are being supervised by Mayor Mu Anbalagan.

Earlier, Nehru inspected the mock drill exercise on rescue operation in Tiruchy.