The Chennai Corporation has directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to remove the debris dumped in the Cooum River, particularly at the construction sites of the Port Maduravoyal Expressway, by October 10. This urgent request comes as part of efforts to mitigate the flood risk in various wards along the river, with the northeast monsoon approaching.
A meeting was held on Thursday to assess the risk of flooding, which has been exacerbated by the debris accumulation in the Cooum River bed. The WRD, the custodian of the river, has been coordinating with NHAI to ensure the removal of the debris. Several councillors from wards along the Cooum have raised concerns about the potential for severe flooding if the debris is not cleared in time. These concerns are echoed by residents of neighborhoods like Langs Garden Road, which experienced significant flooding last year due to the reduced width of the river.
Fathima Muzaffer Ahmed, Councillor of Ward 61, highlighted the issues faced by her constituency: “Last year, we had to evacuate more than 100 residents as floodwaters from the Cooum began rising inside homes. The water, dark and contaminated, caused skin diseases among residents.” The debris has not only led to floods but has also blocked relief centers like the Chennai Urdu School, which was once used to shelter residents during flooding.
In response, councillors are demanding that the WRD explore alternative methods to restore the river's water-carrying capacity. They have also called for a comprehensive list of roads at risk of flooding due to the narrowing of the river and an increase in the number of relief centers and rescue teams. The civic body has already identified 91 locations for the deployment of boats during rescue operations and 231 roads that require heavy-duty pumps to drain floodwaters.
Despite claims by NHAI that 67% of the debris has been cleared, large piles remain in key areas such as Egmore, Pudupet, and Chintadripet, obstructing the natural flow of the Cooum River. Councillors and residents alike are urging swift action to prevent further flood risks in these vulnerable areas.