Damaged roads remain a concern in Chennai as floodwater recedes
Residents and councillors urge the civic body to repair potholes and uneven surfaces before the Northeast monsoon arrives in December.
Rainwater stagnation across several parts of Chennai receded by 11 a.m. on Monday, following overnight rains from Cyclone Murasu, according to The Hindu. While flooding has subsided, residents and councillors are raising concerns regarding damaged roads, potholes, and uneven surfaces left by utility and stormwater drain works.
Data from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) showed the city saw an average rainfall of 76.07 mm in the 24 hours before 6 a.m. on November 2. Parry’s Corner in George Town recorded the highest amount at 149.2 mm, while New Manali Town saw 141.6 mm.
Purasaiwalkam councillor Ambedkar Valavan aka Kumarasamy stated that while his ward faced no waterlogging, several roads like Rettamalai Srinivasan Salai and Cooks Road remain in poor condition. He alleged that excavation for Metro Rail and Metro Water projects has left multiple roads in the Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar Zone uneven and hazardous.
In Manali, K. Shanmugam, president of the Federation of North Chennai Resident Welfare Associations, noted that uneven road surfaces caused water to collect in depressions. S.
Vishanth of the Ennore Solidarity Group added that water had stagnated in parts of Athipattu near Ennore but the situation has since improved.
Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar, who inspected areas at 2 a.m. on Monday, said clogged catch pits caused some stagnation. He suggested that contractors should be held responsible for the immediate repair of damaged stretches through annual maintenance contracts.