219 Flood-Prone Areas Identified in Chennai; 1,000 Pumps to Be Deployed
• The Greater Chennai Corporation has identified 219 flood-prone locations across the city, including areas along the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), based on past flooding events in 2015, 2021, and
• Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran stated that these vulnerable areas include low-lying zones and metro rail construction sites. To mitigate flooding risks, 1,000 pumps will be deployed, and excavation sites at metro construction areas will serve as temporary underground sumps during heavy rainfall. Additionally, desilting of 1,102 km of the city's 1,683 km stormwater drain network has been completed, and over 80% of work on 44 canals is finished. Large institutions and IT campuses have been instructed to manage rainwater discharge in a staggered manner to prevent immediate overflow onto major roads.
Impact & Risks
Flooding in Chennai poses significant risks to low-lying areas, metro construction sites, and major roads like ECR and OMR. Improper rainwater management could lead to waterlogging, disrupting daily life and transportation. Large institutions and IT campuses are also at risk of contributing to overflow if rainwater is not managed effectively. The backflow of water into stormwater drains connected to the Adyar estuary, especially under El Niño conditions, could exacerbate the situation.
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