GCC Preps for Monsoon by August End

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) aims to finish all storm-water drain (SWD) repairs and fix gaps in the city’s drainage system by the end of August.

Since July 15, officials have reduced SWD network gaps from 115 to 87, covering about 870 meters. Work is underway to clean silt catch pits across all zones, with tenders finalized and orders issued. Ponds are being deepened as part of efforts to renew water bodies.

However, structural encroachments remain unresolved due to ongoing court cases. Sewer blockages are also a problem, linked to the city’s aging 40-year-old sewer pipeline system, which struggles to meet current demands.

The GCC plans to complete its monsoon readiness work by August-end. Of the total 109,975 silt catch pits, 68,281 have been cleaned so far. Out of 245 ponds managed by the civic body, 83 have been approved for improvement at a cost of ₹214.02 crore. Work is done on 49 ponds, with 34 still under progress.

Infrastructure coordination issues persist, as delays in CMWSSB projects lead to unauthorized road cuts and soil dumping at various sites.