Rain keeps civic officials on toes

With incessant rain across the city on Monday, the Greater Chennai Corporation was kept on its toes due to waterlogging complaints from various parts of the city.

Water logging was reported in 204 locations, out of which 109 have been attended to. The civic body received 230 complaints through its WhatsApp helpline and the 1913 number, out of which 153 have been actioned. Since the beginning of the monsoon, the control room has received 9,778 complaints, out of which 9,473 have been completed.

In areas where there are no stormwater drains, water logging is being removed using earth mover machines. In addition, 253 compactors have been pressed into service to remove garbage. Over 792 workers have been engaged to ensure there is no waterlogging in the city. The local body has also conducted 1,093 mobile medical camps, 1,060 medical camps, screening 2,79, 062 residents.

In the suburban area of Madambakkam, close to 50 residents gheraoed in the local crematorium ground on Monday, to stop the Town Panchayat officials from dumping garbage in the vacant area within the premises. The town panchayat collects close to 25 tonnes of waste per day but there is no facility to scientifically dispose it.

Without segregation, the garbage is being dumped at the crematorium ground in Paduvanchery for the last one-and- a- half years, alleged residents. Despite the repeated complaints, no action has been taken, alleged residents. With the rain, the residents were worried about sanitation issues.

Commuters were put to hardship on Monday, due to the flooding caused by the incessant rains. Officer-goers in particular were a harried lot as they had to navigate the waterlogged streets and resultant traffic jams.