Stormwater drain projects worth ₹56.73 crore are under way in Anna Nagar, Ambattur, and Madhavaram zones as part of flood mitigation measures ahead of the Northeast monsoon, according to the Greater Chennai Corporation.

During an inspection on Sunday, Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran reviewed the progress of ongoing works at Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Anna Nagar zone, Korattur East Avenue and North Avenue roads in Ambattur zone, and Madhavaram–Redhills Main Road in Madhavaram zone.

Officials said a stormwater drain is being constructed from Jawaharlal Nehru Road to the Padi flyover in Anna Nagar zone at an estimated cost of ₹8.85 crore. The project covers a stretch of 480 metres and is intended to improve drainage in the area during periods of heavy rainfall.

In Ambattur zone, stormwater drain works valued at ₹25 crore are under way along a 2.6-km stretch linking Korattur East Avenue Road through CTH Road and 200 Feet Road to the Otteri Nullah canal. The project aims to prevent water stagnation in Korattur, which is a low-lying locality prone to flooding during the monsoon.

The Commissioner also reviewed desilting operations being carried out using an amphibious machine in Korattur North Avenue Road and along the surplus water canal connected to Korattur Lake. Officials were instructed to complete desilting works, strengthen canal bunds and ensure that the lake sluice area remains free of obstructions.

At Korattur Housing Board, he inspected a stormwater pumping station equipped with a 20 HP motor and reviewed preparedness measures for the rainy season. In Madhavaram zone, a major drain is being constructed at a cost of ₹22.88 crore to carry excess stormwater from the Retteri North surplus canal to the Puzhal surplus water canal. The drain, measuring 1,450 metres in length and 2 metres by 2 metres in size, passes through Madhavaram-Redhills Main Road, Balaji Nagar and Krishna Nagar. Officials were directed to expedite all works before the onset of the monsoon.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran on Saturday ordered officials to expedite work on the new council hall for accommodating additional councillors after delimitation of Corporation wards.

Currently, the 426 sq km of the Chennai Corporation has been divided into 200 wards. As the space in the council hall in Ripon Buildings is inadequate, work on a new council hall was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.74.7 crore on the premises of Ripon Buildings near Victoria Public Hall. The new council hall will have adequate seats to accommodate new councillors after the delimitation of wards.

The commissioner also inspected the new canteen on the premises of Ripon Buildings and ordered officials to improve services. The canteen has an entry at the Periamet, Sydenhams Road for local residents while corporation employees will visit the canteen from another gate from Ripon Buildings. The commissioner also ordered officials to improve the facilities at the canteen.

Mr. Sameeran also inspected the gymnasium and parking lot on the premises of Ripon Buildings and ordered officials to improve maintenance of the facilities.

Mr. Sameeran said: “In the new council hall project, 133 out of 235 piles have been completed. Before the monsoon, we are planning to complete basement level. By September 2027, we will complete the project.”