The Hindu        02.12.2011

Now, people can flood Corporation with suggestions

BEST WISHES: Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy greeting the new Commissioner of Chennai Corporation P. W. C. Davidar, who took charge on Thursday. — Photo: V. Ganesan

: Flood prevention measures and improving the quality of roads and public facilities will be accorded top priority by the Chennai Corporation, said its new Commissioner P.W.C. Davidar, who assumed office on Thursday.

Speaking to presspersons, he said steps would be taken to prevent flooding during the next monsoon. “We are looking for permanent solutions. The Corporation has done a lot of studies on water-logging. We will approach the public and residents welfare associations and take their suggestions on what needs to be done to prevent flooding. Residents, who have been living in the localities for several years, would know better. The solutions might be simple and cost-effective. We will match our studies with the suggestions,” he said.

Towards this, the Corporation has created an email account. The residents can send their suggestions to stopflooding@chennaicorporation.gov.in. The suggestions could be handed at special counters in the respective Zonal offices on or before December 16. A form is available for the purpose at the counters.

The suggestion on how flooding can be stopped should also be accompanied by a simple diagram. A simple format has also been provided to enable easy follow up. While the specific suggestions can be sent by email, any attachment of a sketch or diagram of the solution should be made into a PDF format for submission.

“During the rains, a lot of people open the sewer manhole covers to let rainwater into them. If a proper stormwater drain network is put in place, this could be avoided and there will not be any water on the roads,” he added. In the next 10 days, patchwork would be taken on roads. “But before re-laying the roads, we will ensure that water-logging is not there. We don't want to waste money re-laying the roads,” he said. Mr. Davidar said better coordination with various government agencies, including Chennai Metrowater, Chennai Telephones and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) would be achieved to ensure that the disturbance is minimised, including road cuts, when their projects are implemented.

On facilities in Chennai Schools, bus stands and markets, he said that the Chennai Corporation would ensure that platforms, roads and public conveniences are available. Earlier, the outgoing Commissioner, D. Karthikeyan, who has since been transferred to Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, as its managing director, handed over charge to Mr.Davidar.

The new Commissioner convened a meeting of the Corporation officials in the evening and underscored the need for permanent solutions to prevent flooding. “The Chief Minister is intent on preventing flooding in the city,” he told the meeting, according to sources.