The Hindu 04.08.2010
Plan to construct stormwater drain network
K. Lakshmi
Work in progress recently to desilt the stormwater drain on Thirumangalam Mogappair Main Road.
CHENNAI: The Tiruvallur division of the State Highways Department plans to construct stormwater drain network and repair existing facilities on some of the arterial roads as part of the measures to avoid inundation during monsoon.
The department has recently taken up work to repair the stormwater drain on Thirumangalam Mogappair Main Road in Anna Nagar West at a cost of Rs.80 lakh.
V. Rajagopal, a resident of Mogappair, said repairing the SWD would help in arresting water stagnation in many adjacent areas, including TVS Colony, Officers' Colony and West End Colony. Officials of the Highways Department said the nearly 2-km stretch of SWD left open on the road would be desilted and covered. The work would be completed by August-end.
The department also proposes to construct SWD on a 3.4-km stretch from Valasaravakkam to Porur junction on Arcot Road. Residents recalled that they had to struggle to cross the stretch in Valasaravakkam during monsoon as there was no vent for the rainwater to drain.
Similarly, SWD would be constructed on the Poonamallee Avadi Road. Officials said the work to widen the road from the existing 7 metre to 10.5 m is nearing completion. The four-lane road would be converted to a six-lane facility at a cost of Rs.5.7 crore. The project would be completed by August-end.
Of the total 20-km distance from Kathipara junction to Avadi, SWD network has been provided for a distance of 5 km. The department would construct drain for a distance of 7 km between Porur and Avadi in the first phase. The project would be taken up either under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission or Chennai Metropolitan Development project, the officials said.
