The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 3.38 billion for flood mitigation projects across Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram for the financial year 2025–26. The initiative, part of an integrated flood management strategy, aims to address persistent waterlogging in urban and semi-urban areas.

In the southern parts of Chennai, work has begun in the suburbs with an estimated budget of Rs 27o million. A substantial portion of the total allocation—Rs 2.60 billion—has been designated for Chennai. This includes a specific flood relief project for the Ambattur Industrial Estate, which frequently experiences severe flooding.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated the construction of drains and culverts to establish a flood release channel from the South Buckingham Canal near Okkiyam Maduvu to the Bay of Bengal. This is intended to reduce pressure on nearby residential areas and improve water discharge during heavy rains.

In addition, flood relief efforts around the Pallikaranai marshland, an ecologically sensitive zone, are progressing with a budget of Rs 910 million. These works involve building drainage infrastructure and enhancing the area’s natural water flow. Macro drainage improvements along the Adyar River’s tributaries have also commenced, with Rs 350 million allocated.

Further, the WRD is developing a riverine reservoir and rehabilitating the Somangalam tributary in Kundrathur taluk, with Rs 200 million set aside for the task.

In Tiruvallur district, five major flood mitigation projects are underway to benefit areas like Tiruninravur and parts of Avadi, collectively costing Rs 910 million. The strengthening of the Arani River bund is being carried out at Rs 80.5 million, and protective bank work in the Tiruttani region has also been included.

These integrated initiatives were planned as part of the State Budget and are designed to build long-term resilience against urban and peri-urban flooding in the Chennai metropolitan area.

News source: New Kerala