The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has completed nearly 1,314 km of the 1,385-km storm water drain (SWD) network taken up since 2022, putting overall progress at about 95 per cent. The civic body aims to finish the remaining works by the end of September, before the northeast monsoon, with projects across various schemes costing Rs. 6.07 bn.

The Asian Development Bank-funded Kosasthalaiyar Basin network is nearly complete, with 651.10 km of the planned 652.40 km finished at a cost of Rs. 30.59 bn. The KfW-funded Kovalam Basin project has completed 272.80 km of 310 km, leaving 37.20 km. Under the Capital Fund, 120.10 km of 131.70 km has been completed at Rs. 4.71 bn.

The Arcot Road project remains a major bottleneck. Only 7.20 km of its planned 18 km has been completed under the Rs. 1.03 bn project, which has been divided into 18 packages. Construction is restricted to between midnight and 4am because of traffic congestion. The drainage system will divert water towards the Virugambakkam canal and Cooum, and through Porur towards the Adyar, while 100-HP pumps are planned as a contingency around Porur and near six Metro Rail stations.

The GCC has identified 105 locations with missing drainage links. Connections have been provided at 37 locations, while work remains at 68. The Water Resources Department is desilting four river mouths and has sanctioned 200 desilting works in Chennai’s waterbodies at Rs. 420 mn, with about 48 per cent nearing completion.

For the monsoon, the corporation has identified 219 vulnerable zones, inspected 215 relief centres and arranged 111 kitchens supported by Amma Canteens and 44 central kitchens. More than 1,320 motors, including 150-200 HP pumps, are ready. The GCC has 38 boats and has arranged another 258 through the Fisheries Department and local fishermen. Forecasting agencies have indicated normal to above-normal rainfall, while councillors have raised concerns about slower preparedness and incomplete desilting in some wards.