Chennai Corporation Resumes Desilting Work After Rains

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has started cleaning and desilting
blocked silt catch pits at about 1.13 lakh spots across the city. The work
began after the rains reduced during this northeast monsoon season.
Officials said the desilting work will help prevent waterlogging in many
low-lying areas during future rains. Catch pits are small underground
chambers built along roads to collect rainwater and stop it from flooding
the streets. Over time, these pits get filled with mud, sand, and garbage,
reducing their capacity to drain water properly.
Workers have been deployed in all 15 zones of the city to remove silt and
ensure that stormwater drains are not blocked. GCC engineers said special
machines are being used to speed up the cleaning work.
The Corporation also plans to monitor these locations regularly and carry
out maintenance before every monsoon to make sure the drainage system works
efficiently. Residents have been asked not to dump waste into stormwater
drains, as it causes blockages and increases the risk of flooding.