TN's Tambaram Corporation plans stormwater drain network to tackle chronic flooding

Chennai, July 27 (AHN) With the northeast monsoon only a few months away, the Tambaram City Municipal Corporation in Tamil Nadu has proposed a comprehensive Rs 111.08-crore stormwater drain project aimed at permanently addressing chronic flooding in several low-lying neighbourhoods that face severe waterlogging after even moderate rainfall.

The civic body has submitted a proposal to the Tamil Nadu government seeking administrative approval and financial sanction for 40 stormwater drain works covering a total length of 30.37 kilometres.

The proposed network will benefit flood-prone localities such as Goodwill Nagar, Samathuva Periyar Nagar, Judge Colony, parts of Chitlapakkam and several other vulnerable areas within the corporation limits.

For residents of Goodwill Nagar and surrounding localities, waterlogging has become an annual ordeal. Roads are often submerged within hours of heavy rain, disrupting traffic, damaging property and affecting daily life. Despite several stormwater drain projects executed over the years, many neighbourhoods continue to experience flooding during every monsoon.

According to corporation officials, the proposed project has been divided into two phases. The first phase comprises 25 stormwater drain works covering 23.1 kilometres at an estimated cost of Rs 95.51 crore, while the second phase includes 15 works extending over 7.27 kilometres for Rs 15.57 crore.

Corporation Commissioner S. Balachander said the new proposal was prepared after extensive field inspections and flood-mapping exercises conducted over the past few monsoon seasons.

The remaining flood-prone locations were identified based on recurring inundation patterns and gaps in the existing drainage network. He said the proposed drains have been designed to improve the movement of rainwater by linking existing drainage systems with major outfalls, enabling faster discharge during periods of intense rainfall.

Once the state government grants approval, the civic body intends to begin the works on priority to strengthen flood preparedness before the onset of the peak northeast monsoon.

The corporation had earlier completed 15 kilometres of stormwater drains at a cost of Rs 37.59 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund. However, residents and civic activists argue that the earlier works have not delivered the expected results. They alleged that several drains were constructed without adequate gradients, limiting the natural flow of rainwater.

Civic activists also called for stricter supervision during construction and urged the corporation to complement new infrastructure by restoring natural waterways, removing encroachments and widening existing channels. Such measures, they said, would significantly improve drainage efficiency while ensuring better utilisation of public funds.