1,671 km of stormwater drains being desilted: Chennai Mayor

Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya told the council that desilting of 1,671 km of stormwater drains was under way at an estimated cost of ₹22.46 crore, in response to a question from MDMK councillor P. Subramani (Ward 139) on monsoon preparedness.

She said ₹10 crore had been allocated at ₹5 lakh per ward for monsoon precautionary works. Another ₹22 crore had been earmarked for patching and resurfacing damaged roads, while ₹26.53 crore had been proposed for hiring 150 100-horsepower pumps and 500 tractor-mounted pumps for low-lying areas.

The Mayor said ₹4.65 crore had been allocated to engage temporary personnel to operate pumps and water tanks. A drone survey costing ₹15 lakh was also being undertaken to verify desilting works and ensure that removed silt and garbage were cleared.