Corporation ready to deal with Nivar aftermath

After flagging off the mobile integrated command and control centre of the Corporation at Rippon Building, Municipal Administration Minister SP Velumani said that the mobile command centre, procured as part of Smart City Project, would help handle information from multiple agencies, including rainfall data, flood level monitoring, environmental sensors, smart pole and solid waste management and parking management system. “From this integrated centre, we will be able to monitor information on water stagnation in subways and low-lying areas across the city through surveillance cameras and take precautionary measures when it reaches the mouths of storm water drains. In addition, the centre would monitor the rainfall recorded in various parts of the city through smart poles,” he said.

Chennai received 38.7 cm of rainfall following the onset of the northeast monsoon, including 5.9 cm rainfall in the last 24-hours.

A 24x7-hour control room has been set up at the Corporation headquarters and the public could contact on 25384530 and 25384540, besides complaint centre number 1913. “For removing fallen branches and uprooted trees, we have two vehicle-mounted saws and 360 handheld diesel and petrol-powered saws and 11 electric-powered saws. We also have 18 high tower lights on standby at the zonal offices,” he said.

To rescue those living in the low lying areas, boats are stationed at 109 locations, and 176 relief centres, and 44 fixed and mobile medical teams were ready, he said. He added that four general kitchens with enough materials for 1,500 people were ready, and food would be supplied to all the affected people through Amma Canteens and drinking water through 50 Amma Drinking Water centres, Minister Velumani added.

To pump out stagnant water from low lying areas, the Corporation has 570 motor pumps with a capacity of 5, 7.5 and 10 horsepower. Besides, teams have been formed to monitor electric poles, hanging cables and electrical outlets, he added.