CHENNAI: The flood mitigation strategy being drawn up for the proposed Global Sports City at Semmencheri has been designed to serve a dual purpose of managing storm water flows and supporting water-based sporting activities, according to official planning inputs.
Tender documents issued by the Palar Basin Circle of the Water Resources Department (WRD) stated that the project included the formation of new tanks, construction of peripheral earthen drains, development of 870 metres of cut-and-cover channels, and enhancement of the storage capacity of existing tanks.
These interventions are aimed at strengthening SWD management in and around the proposed city and improving resilience during periods of intense rainfall.
The works are being taken up following a review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on May 6, 2025. It was recommended that a flood mitigation plan be developed in coordination with the WRD.
The idea was to create a structured waterway system that would address flood risks and also benefit training and events.
Acting on these directions, a WRD team, along with feasibility study consultants, prepared a master plan that envisages the creation of a lake and an integrated sporting water body spread over about 42.20 acres.
The proposed area is intended to function both as a rainwater conservation asset and as infrastructure for water sports such as rowing, kayaking and canoeing.
Officials involved in the planning process said the approach reflected a move towards multi-functional urban infrastructure, aligning flood control measures with recreational and sporting objectives.
The water body was expected to enhance on-site storage during heavy rainfall, reduce run-off pressure on downstream drainage systems, and provide a controlled environment for training and competitive events.
The plan also takes into account the site’s natural topography. Semmencheri has been identified as concave in nature, making it vulnerable to the ingress of external floodwaters during intense rain.
To address this, the WRD has recommended raising the site by about 1.50 metres above the existing ground level. This is intended to create a protective buffer and prevent surrounding floodwaters from entering the site.