Chennai allocated fund of Rs 13.01 crore for desilting stormwater drains

Chennai: In an effort to face northeast monsoon, Chennai corporation has allocated a fund of Rs 13.01 crore for de-silting stormwater drains in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Sholinganallur zones, in the first phase.

“This will enable free flow of rainwater into the drains without stagnating on the roads,” said an official of the local body.

A resolution allocating funds to carry out the first phase of de-silting covering one-third of the stormwater drains was passed at the council meeting on Monday. Desilting of the remaining storm water drains will be done in a phased manner. Also, the work will be extended to the other zones. Funds were also allocated for the relaying of interior roads in areas where the construction work of storm water drains have been completed.

Resolutions on purchasing Robotic Multipurpose Excavator that de-silts the stormwater drains, open drainages and water bodies that measures less than 3.5 metre breadth were also adopted at the meeting. A fund of Rs 28.8 crore was allocated to purchase three excavators, each at a cost of Rs 9.60 crore, to be utilised in Northern, Central and Southern Regions.

“These excavators could be used on water bodies to remove solid and floating wastes,” an official said. Plans are on to purchase four ‘Amphibian Vehicle’ to be used on water bodies that is above four metre breadth.