Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation has allocated Rs 100 crore for monsoon preparedness in Chennai, with precautionary measures being stepped up ahead of the Northeast Monsoon and the expected impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
The decision was taken at a recent review meeting chaired by Corporation commissioner G S Sameeran, a senior Corporation official said on Sunday.
The commissioner has directed officials from key departments, including Water Resources, Highways, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL), Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Southern Railway, to work together and complete all preparations by the end of September.
Rs 100 crore allocated for monsoon preparedness
Of the total amount, Rs 22.46 crore has been allocated to desilt stormwater drains across 1,671 km of the city. Another Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned directly to local administrative units, with Rs 5 lakh being given to each ward for local disaster mitigation.
The Corporation has also set aside Rs 22 crore for region-wise tenders to repair and restore damaged stretches.
A further Rs 26.53 crore has been earmarked to hire and deploy 150 100-HP pumps and 500 tractor-mounted pumps in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to waterlogging.
More workers, emergency kits for flood response
The Corporation has sanctioned Rs 4.65 crore to hire temporary staff to operate pumps and water storage tanks during the monsoon.
More than 1,000 additional workers will be engaged for emergency duties related to the Northeast Monsoon.
The Corporation has also allocated Rs 15 lakh for aerial drone surveys of canals. The surveys will help identify blocked or obstructed areas and speed up clearance work.
“About Rs 60 lakh has been designated to procure 15,000 emergency kits containing essential commodities for flood-affected families,” the official added.
(with inputs from agencies)
