CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has shifted into high gear ahead of the upcoming northeast monsoon, significantly accelerating flood mitigation and urban infrastructure projects across the city.

“SWD workers in the city are expected to complete it in two months,” said GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran. “Currently 90% of stormwater drain (SWD) construction in the Kosasthalaiyar basin and 68% in the Kovalam basin have been completed. Instructions have been given to expedite the SWD works at crucial locations. Around 70 km of drains across Chennai will be completed within two months.”

To prevent waterlogging, strict directions have been issued to immediately connect “missing links” in central Chennai’s drain network within the same two-month window. Intensive canal improvement works including desilting and raising retaining walls, are under way across 44 city canals, including three recently transferred from the Water Resources Department.

Civic workers have also been instructed to swiftly clear debris from all 1,04,000 silt catch pits citywide. To tackle localised flooding, high-capacity electric and diesel motor pumps will be stationed on standby in low-lying areas, with additional units ready for rapid deployment.