New Delhi, Chennai is famous for the rain which took place when entire nation excluding southern Peninsula remain in the grip of winters. This year too when temperatures are falling in the northern plains, the city is gearing up for northeast monsoon rain, but due to the ongoing civil works around the city, question is being raised that is Chennai ready to welcome the northeast monsoon.
Rains could create a big challenge for the Chennai Corporation as only 40% work of the 533 km storm water drain work in the old limits of the corporation is complete. The project covers 12 water bodies, including the Cooum, Captain Cotton Canal and Otteri Nullah. The civic body is yet to take up works in the newly-added areas of the corporation.
The traffic police is being blamed for the low pace of work on storm water drains. The ongoing metro rail works will worsen the conditions if there is flooding. There are several traffic diversions across the city because of the metro rail works and if any of these stretches are water-logged, traffic will be severely affected.
On the brink of saying good bye to the southwest monsoon and welcoming the northeast monsoon, Chennai is expected with moderate to heavy rains during the next 72 hours. Rains with winds could also uproot trees and the workers needed to be prepared for such situation. Arrangements have been made for lodging of several lakhs of people in schools and marriage halls if there is wide-spread inundation.
