Chennai Corporation Commissioner Sameeran inspected precautionary measures in areas along the Puzhal lake surplus water canal, including Manali, Amullaivoyal and Sadayankuppam. The visit focused on preparedness for heavy rain expected in the city due to a cyclone and a low-pressure system.
Speaking to reporters, he said 219 low-lying locations have been identified across Chennai, including 17 spots in Manali. Zone-wise control rooms have been set up, and drones will be used to monitor flooding in locations where vehicles cannot reach. The Sadayankuppam–Irular Colony stretch, where Puzhal lake connects with the Kosasthalaiyar river, is under continuous watch.
He said the water level in Puzhal lake stood at 17.04 feet, and water is being released only for drinking water needs. In the Manali–Amullaivoyal stretch, the surplus canal has been widened after removing water hyacinth. A wall belonging to CPCL has been broken to create an additional route for surplus water flow.
As a canal from Retteri also joins this system, officials have been instructed to ensure smooth discharge of surplus water from both Puzhal and Retteri. The surplus canal can carry a maximum of 7,000 cubic feet per second; if the flow exceeds this, areas such as Balasubramaniam Nagar, Sadayankuppam and Irular Colony could see waterlogging and overflow, affecting residents.
He urged people to move immediately to relief camps if such a situation arises. The civic body will also continuously monitor whether there is any oil leakage in rainwater, and has directed that roads should not be freshly cut for infrastructure works; temporary maintenance will be carried out while seeking handover of partially completed roads.
