Residents of Velachery have raised concerns over waterways choked with water hyacinth and urged authorities to clear them ahead of heavy monsoon spells to reduce risk of flooding.They noted that unchecked growth of aquatic weeds in waterways, including Okkiyam Maduvu, would obstruct the free flow of rainwater from canals and stormwater drains in the locality. Geetha Ganesh, secretary, AGS Colony Residents Welfare Association, Velachery, said several residential localities in Velachery faced the risk of waterlogging whenever Okkiam Maduvu is choked with vegetation.She recalled that the hyacinth blockage in Okkiam Maduvu was one of the primary reasons for waterlogging in 2023. Several localities, including AGS Colony, Vijaya Nagar, Tansi Nagar, and Ram Nagar, were submerged under water for nearly five days, she said.Pointing out that stormwater drain network in the area often carried sewage, they said hyacinth growth was fueled by sewage inflow into waterways. V. Sundar of AGS Colony Residents Welfare Association said the Water Resources Department must also take measures against illegal sewage release into waterways and waterbodies. The Pallikaranai marshland must also be cleared of vegetation, particularly near 16 crucial culverts, to allow free flow of floodwater.Residents also sought the dredging of Adyar river mouth and removal of vegetation from Velachery Lake. They urged the authorities to fulfill some of the long-pending demands, including desilting of the lake and removal of encroachments, to improve its capacity.M. Balakrishnan, general secretary, Tansi Nagar Residents Welfare Association, said residents have been fighting for encroachments to be removed on a six-vent culvert to enable floodwater to flow into Pallikaranai marshland. With the natural drainage system blocked, the area remained vulnerable to flooding.Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department is set to issue a directive to carry out desilting works of various major and minor waterways in and around the city ahead of the Northeast monsoon. Officials said work is expected to begin by mid-July once funds are allocated. Published - July 02, 2026 06:43 am IST