Surplus channels planned to avoid flooding

PWD officials say that they would prepare blue print soon. However they are yet to decide the cost of the project. Official sources said that they had already charted a master project, in which desilting, fencing, strengthening of bunds and construction of ramparts would be undertaken in around 13 lakes soon. 

Sources added that the officials also took into consideration the recent breaches and flooding in the lakes and it prompted them to create additional surplus channels to release excess water. M, Bhakthavatchalam, Superintendent of Engineer (SE), Palar Basin Circle, PWD (WRD) Chennai told DT Next that considering the fact that the lakes witnessed breaches, they were planning to establish additional surplus channels in the lakes. 

“As of now, all the lakes have channels through which surplus water from lakes is being drained. However, we sensed the fact from the recent heavy rainfalls and flooding that additional surplus channels are inevitable, because when water level is speedily high in the lakes, we can also drain water through additional surplus channels,” he said adding that the surplus channels would have regulators too. The SE also pointed out that they were in the process of inspecting places and in such a time, they would seek permission from State and National Highway authorities, as the channels may pass through main roads. 

“It is a fact that forming channels is not easy and we need to get permission from other departments concerned. So, in this context, we have sought permission from State Highway Department and National Highway to create channels,” Bhakthavatchalam said. The officials are also preparing a blue print. All the surplus channels will be connected to Adyar and Cooum rivers. 

Meanwhile, activists have welcomed the move. However, they insisted that all the encroachments along the rivers and lakes should be evicted. M.P. Duraisamy,TN PWD Retired Engineers Association member, said that encroachment remained a major factor for flooding and wastage of water. 

“Whatever project with regard to water resource management is implemented, we cannot store water properly without removing encroachment,” he stressed.