Chennai is gearing up for the monsoon season with a comprehensive plan to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of its citizens. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), responsible for the city’s infrastructure and public services, has taken a proactive approach by deploying a specialized machine known as the Drain Master. This high-tech equipment, rented from Ahmedabad, is designed to desilt and remove weeds from stormwater drains, canals, and waterbodies.
The Drain Master boasts impressive capabilities. It operates both on land and water, making it versatile for cleaning various water channels. This amphibious machine is currently deployed at the Captain Cotton Canal, where it is dredging and clearing debris. Its powerful features include a high-pressure water jet and a vacuum system, enabling it to clean drains and sewers up to 4.4 feet deep. The machine’s cleaning arm, with a diameter of 3.5 feet, can reach even narrow sections of canals.
GCC officials are emphasizing the importance of the desilting project, particularly in areas prone to flooding. The Captain Cotton Canal, which runs through vital parts of Chennai, has been a critical focus. Officials highlight the impact of last year’s floods in areas like Union Carbide Colony, which were exacerbated by inadequate desilting. The goal is to complete the desilting work by the end of this month, minimizing the risk of flooding during the monsoon.
In addition to the Drain Master, GCC has deployed various amphibious machines and robotic excavators across multiple city canals. Desilting work is also underway on Cochrane Basin Road in Korukkupet, where the railway culvert near B Canal is being cleared. Excavators are actively removing water hyacinth from Madhavaram Lake, preventing its blockage and ensuring smooth water flow.
The Reddikuppam Canal in T Nagar, a smaller drain connected to Mambalam Canal, is also undergoing desilting. Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, who recently inspected flood mitigation activities, has instructed officials to complete all work, including canal and drain desilting, by the end of September.
These comprehensive efforts demonstrate Chennai’s commitment to ensuring the city’s preparedness for the monsoon. The deployment of advanced equipment, combined with meticulous desilting work, aims to mitigate the risk of flooding and safeguard the well-being of residents. By prioritizing these preventive measures, Chennai is striving to create a safer and more resilient city for its citizens during the monsoon season.
