Greater Chennai Corporation seems to be adopting various measures to check flooding in the upscale Boat Club Road that has been flooding-prone. But residents ask if these measures are long-term.
Along with Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Salai, this posh locality faces significant waterlogging every time there is heavy rainfall. Despite having a supposedly well-laid stormwater drain network, it is hit by persistent waterlogging.
Key areas in the Boat Club region that often face waterlogging include the entrance from Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Salai near the Bharat Petroleum bunk, Sathyanarayana Avenue near the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Turnbulls Road Extension near the Madras Boat Club.
A large pumping tractor has been stationed at the mouth of the road adjacent to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Salai to remove stagnant water.
“Boat Club Road is where I regularly go for my morning walks, but it becomes nearly impossible to walk here after it rains,” says Dr. R. Chandrasekaran, president of R.A. Puram Residents’ Association, adding that many walkers have raised complaints with the authorities. He says whenever the stormwater drain chambers are opened for cleaning, a significant amount of silt collected is not cleared from the road, obstructing draining of water.
Boat Club Road during the recent rains
R. Sundar, another regular walker for over two decades, says water logging is common at Sathyanarayana Avenue and in front of Alumni Club. “The authorities are concerned about temporary solutions and I request them to find a permanent one. Why start digging a new one when the rains are approaching? This could have been done long before the monsoon season,” he questions.
The incomplete stormwater drain channel alongside the existing one poses a significant risk to commuters and pedestrians.
The assistant engineer of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) responsible for the ward explained that the primary cause of flooding in the Boat Club and Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Salai areas is water being pumped out from houses onto the streets. To address this, a 100HP pump has been installed in the area to immediately divert stagnant water into the stormwater drain. The gradient of the area is also to be blamed.
“The additional SWD is being constructed to ensure these roads do not experience flooding in the future,” he added.
Published – November 30, 2024 08:55 pm IST