OPS asks govt to take flood prevention measures before monsoon

CHENNAI: The former chief minister and ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Friday urged the DMK government to take preventive measures on war footing from the northeast monsoon floods.

Stating that it was the duty of the government to take preventive measures to flush out waters that were logged in the subways and in roads during monsoon periods, Panneerselvam said a day before yesterday, the whole of Chennai was under the floods when the rain occurred for just one hour.

"As usual, Kodambakkam, Velachery, Taramani, Guindy, Thoraipakkam, Karapakkam, Chemencherry, Triplicane, Tiruvattriur, Royapuram, Broadway, Kodangaiyur, T-Nagar, and Washermenpet were severely affected by the rain,” he claimed and added, saying similarly, water was also logged at Metro Rail work areas and in ongoing storm water drain work regions.

Stating that the State Transport Minister had a feasibility report with regard to the flood-free bus terminus in Chennai and its suburbs, the deputy opposition leader of the House said "However, till now the works have not started in this regard."

Panneerselvam also raised doubts about whether the flood mitigation works would be completed before October since there were lots of works have to be completed before the Northeast monsoon.

"The Chief Minister should immediately intervene and give personal attention for taking steps to complete the flood prevention works,” he added.