DECEMBER : This year too, Chennai has not escaped the effects of heavy rains. Although Cyclone Michaung made landfall near Babatla district of Andhra Pradesh, the damage caused to Chennai and surrounding districts is not to be left from being mentioned. It will take a few more weeks to recover from the effects of Cyclone Michaung, which defied the government’s precautionary measures.
After the formation of the government under the leadership of Stalin, various flood water drainage improvement works were carried out. It is also true that various infrastructure improvements worth Rs.4,000 crore have been made as stated by the Chief Minister. Even then, we can see that the administration is struggling to cope with natural calamities.
This year from the starting of December, many residences are affected; Roads are dilapidated; Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, etc. in North Tamil Nadu were inundated due to continuous rain for more than 24 hours. Trees were toppled by the strong winds. Words cannot describe the great tragedy faced by the people living in the rainwater stagnant slums in the low-lying areas of Chennai.
The people living in flooded slums along the coast, in Saitappettai, on the shores of Koovat, and in North Chennai feel the pranavastha (suffering to survive) due to the rains of the past two days of first week of December and the pitiful handstands where they do not know what to do next. Words cannot describe the misery faced by the middle-class people who were left with no electricity in their flats in various parts of the city, unable to go out and like the laborers trapped in the Silkwara cave.
Travesty of the Chennai Municipality
The oldest Chennai Corporation was established on 30th December 1687 by the decree of King James II of England on 29th December 1688. It is a great tragedy that the Chennai Metropolitan Corporation, which is proud to be ahead of all other municipalities in India, is unable to withstand storms and heavy rains properly and properly for 335 years.
Sewage disposal scheme for Chennai city was created in 1910. With the vision that after 50 years, the population of Chennai would increase to approximately seven lakhs, sewage pipes and sewers were laid. Again the expansion plan in 1958 and the measures taken in 1976 and 1991 with a view to possible growth were visionary. However, the city seems to be demanding new Sewage Disposal scheme.
Being a coastal city, Chennai is naturally easy to dispose of sewage. Apart from that, it is more convenient to have two rivers, Koovam and Adyar, in the middle of Chennai. Even so, there is a situation where rainwater and sewage cannot be removed.
Apart from Koovam and Adyar rivers, Chennai city has 16 canals including Buckingham, Otteri, Captain Cotton, Virugampakkam and Mambalam. Apart from them, there are many sewage pipes and drains. They are channeled to mix in some channel, trough or basin.
Every year in the month of December, these canals are cleaned before monsoon season. Blockages in rainwater and sewage drains are removed. Even so, if we say that the floods are stagnant, it seems to imply that they are not being done properly.
Reasons for Waterlogging
A study 10 years ago revealed that there are more than two lakh stolen sewerage connections contributed by the Water Board in Chennai. Now their size has increased manifold, not decreased. Another important reason for water stagnation is the waste water and rain water left in the drains.
Compared to the older parts of South Chennai, the urban areas that have developed in the last 30 years have been affected the most. Especially Velachery, Madipakkam, Pallikaranai etc. water level areas, what to say about the scene of waist-deep rain floods? It goes without saying that it is a crime of planning and not a conspiracy of nature.
Way Forward
In order to permanently put an end to the plight of Thalinagar Chennai, the seat of government power, which is unable to withstand natural disasters caused by monsoon rains and periodic storms, an expert committee should be formed and a decision should be made within the next one year based on their advice. This is how we can avoid every December from becoming a dangerous month for Chennai.
Comments 1