Ongoing metro rail construction in Chennai has led to blockages in 30 major storm water drain (SWD) outfalls, raising concerns about potential flooding in key areas of the city during the upcoming monsoon season. With the monsoon expected to begin in mid-October, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has responded by forming a five-member expert committee to address the issue urgently.

The newly formed committee comprises representatives from the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration, IIT Madras, GCC, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), and Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC). Their primary responsibility is to conduct field inspections, assess the damage to the SWD outfalls, and propose immediate and long-term solutions.

The committee will start their field inspections soon to identify the most effective temporary measures that can be implemented before the monsoon sets in. These measures are intended to mitigate the immediate flood risk until the completion of the CMRL project in 2026, at which point the committee will propose permanent solutions to prevent future disruptions.

Professor Balaji Narasimhan from IIT Madras, a member of the committee and an expert in civil engineering, highlighted the complexity of the issue. He noted that several storm water drains have lateral connectivity, and some have been damaged by the metro construction work. The first step, according to Professor Narasimhan, will be thorough inspections to ensure that the best possible solutions are identified and implemented.

The GCC’s swift action in forming this expert committee underscores the seriousness of the potential flood threat and the city’s commitment to safeguarding its residents. The outcome of the committee’s work will be crucial in ensuring that Chennai is better prepared for the upcoming monsoon and that long-term infrastructure resilience is strengthened.