Greater Chennai Corporation will prepare a revised city disaster management plan, incorporating suggestions for better understanding of disaster risk, prevention, mitigation, recovery and reconstruction. A meeting of the advisory committee for flood mitigation and management headed by former IAS officer V.Thiruppugazh was held recently. The committee’s suggestions were based on a study of local civic issues during the recent monsoon in various parts of the city. Residents from more than 700 locations had complained about flooding during the rain, according to the data compiled by the personnel manning the 1913 helpline.
The suggestions have also focussed on best practices at the national and international level for better disaster management. They have gone beyond preparedness and response, focussing on better understanding of disaster risk for quick recovery, sources said.
The State government will allocate funds to the State Relief Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration for preparation of detailed project reports aimed at disaster risk reduction in various parts of the State. Some projects will be selected for external assistance also. During the previous monsoon, there was heavy flooding in many residential areas near highways, disrupting the flow of rainwater. Flooding in more than 100 residential areas in the city occurred because of insufficient vents beneath bridges and culverts. Hence, a number of such works are expected to be taken up to reduce the risk of flooding in many residential areas such as Kolathur. Residents have demanded implementation of projects to prevent flooding in areas such as T.Nagar. Mambalam canal is one of the most important canals that drain water from T.Nagar.
Development of cut and cover macro drain in the vulnerable areas in the suburbs and added areas of the city will also be taken up to reduce the risk. A network of emergency flood carriers will also be developed to reduce the disaster risk in many areas. Many of the 210 waterbodies have to be linked for reducing risk of floods. But the eviction of encroachments in many of the 210 waterbodies and canals in the city and several large lakes in the suburban areas remains the most challenging aspect of flood risk reduction.
