On November 30, a team of officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Water Resources Department (WRD) and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) conducted a joint inspection of a rainwater vent below the Chennai Bypass Road in Thiruneermalai.
This marks the second time NHAI and WRD have carried out an inspection following a request being made by residents. They want NHAI to widen the vent located below the Bypass Road to facilitate rainwater drainage from ‘Nattukalvai’. The office bearers of the Federation of Welfare Associations accompanied the officials.
B. Saravanan, a social activist and resident of the area, points out excess rainwater from Pachai Malai flows into Veeraraghavan Eri, Thiruneermalai Periya Eri and finally into ‘Nattukalvai’.
“Due to encroachments, floodwaters enter areas near Nattukalvai, causing flooding. A retaining wall and a closed canal have to be constructed to prevent flooding. During rains, 1,000 to 1,800 cusecs of water flows through the channel to the Adyar river,” says Saravanan.
The WRD officials say they have submitted a representation in this regard, estimated at a cost of ₹ 35 crores, at a camp held by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office, which is awaiting funding.
