The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced plans to restore two major waterways—the MGR canal and the Jafferkhanpet Canal—in the Kodambakkam zone ahead of the monsoon season. This initiative aims to mitigate flooding in key neighbourhoods. GCC commissioner Dr G S Sameeran conducted an inspection of the two canals in wards 138 and 139 on Thursday, along with the confluence points where these canals join the Adyar River.
MGR Canal: A Critical Flood Barrier
The MGR canal serves as a crucial flood barrier for the areas of Ramapuram, Jafferkhanpet, and KK Nagar. Stretching 1.7 kilometres, the canal originates at KK Nagar, passes through MGR Nagar and West Jafferkhanpet, but is only about a foot wide in most sections due to encroachments. At Ayyavu Street and Bharadhidasan Salai, at least 20 houses have extended onto the canal banks, obstructing the water flow.
The commissioner stated that these encroachments will be removed, and the canal banks will be strengthened. “GCC will also raise retaining walls to prevent flooding in residential areas during heavy rain,” he added.
Desilting Work and Monsoon Preparedness
During the inspection, Sameeran reviewed the ongoing desilting work in the MGR Canal, which employs robotic excavator machines to remove silt, garbage, and water hyacinth. He instructed officials to expedite the work and complete it before the onset of the monsoon. At the Adyar Estuary, the commissioner directed officials to ensure that sand mounds do not form at the point where the MGR Canal meets the ocean, allowing rainwater to flow freely during the monsoon. He reiterated the need to finish desilting before the rains begin.
Community Engagement and Waste Management
The commissioner also interacted with local residents, urging them to refrain from dumping garbage into waterways and canals. Instead, he encouraged residents to hand over waste to conservancy workers who conduct daily door-to-door collection.
Broader Impact and Related Information
This restoration project is part of the GCC's broader efforts to improve urban drainage and flood management. For more information, readers can check updates on Gold Rate in Chennai, Silver Rate in Chennai, Bank Holidays, Public Holidays, Chennai AQI, Weather, and fuel prices.
