On Wednesday alone, 59 works to the tune of Rs 47.52 crore and covering 32 km were launched in Velachery to resolve the problem. Corporation Mayor M Subramanian kickstarted the project by inaugurating the construction of a storm water drain in the area.

The project is funded by the Union government as part of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.

The Chennai Corporation and Public Works Department (PWD) are the implementing agencies. The projects will be implemented in phases and completed within three years. Overall, Rs 1,447 crore have been allotted for improving the micro storm water drains and storm water drains in the city. “As Velachery is categorised as a catchment area, work worth Rs 129.52 crore will be done there to stop waterlogging,” the Mayor said. This will benefit 63 neighbouring places as well.

The Raj Bhavan Canal in Velachery will be improved at a cost of more than Rs 4 crore. A total of 14 additional canals and 16 branching canals will be constructed.

In order to store rainwater, at least 26 canals will be built. The PWD will construct an additional canal between Velachery and Buckingham canals to discharge excess rainwater.