Chennai: Residents of Central Avenue, East Avenue and the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) Colony in Korattur, who experience flooding every monsoon, may soon get relief with the completion of Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) nearly 5-km stormwater drain, being executed in two phases at a cost of ₹80.25 crore.The first phase, a 2.44-km stretch estimated at ₹40.36 crore, is under way. “A length of 1.8km has been completed. We recently held a stakeholders’ meeting concerning second phase,” the official said. This will span 2.5km at a cost of ₹39.89 crore, and will join the Cooum.The stormwater drain begins near Kiran Palace, close to Central Avenue, and will carry excess rainwater along GNT Road towards Cooum.It is expected to reduce flooding in TNHB neighbourhoods and other parts of Korattur by diverting runoff and providing a relief channel for Otteri Nullah during heavy rain.The official added that the phase 2 design and dimensions were finalised based on a survey, conducted along with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Metrowater, of inflow from the North Avenue area and the surrounding catchment, as well as the levels required to connect the drain to Cooum.Residents stressed that the project must not merely divert excess water but also prevent further pollution of Otteri Nullah. Secretary of Federation of Anna Nagar Residents Association Sandhya Vedullapalli said, “Flood mitigation must not come at the cost of the waterway’s ecological health or the well-being of communities along its course.”
