CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and other leaders visited rain-affected areas in Chennai, expediting relief works besides work on removing stagnated water. The CM visited areas including Royapuram, RK Nagar, Mudichur, and Perungalathur, where he inspected medical camps and relief shelters for those affected by the downpour.
EPS said that despite receiving 36 cm of rain that lashed continuously for three days, the government sprung into action, removing storm water immediately without allowing it to stagnate anywhere. “On October 31, Chennai received 14 cm of rain. On November 1, four cm of rain and on November 2, 18 cm of rain lashed the city. So, within three days, there was 36 cm rain in Chennai. Water did not stagnate in any part of the city and steps have been taken to remove stagnated water immediately,” he said.
“The late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had announced a scheme in the State Assembly for ensuring free flow of stormwater through proper stormwater drain to a stretch of 386 km and in the first phase, allocated Rs 1,100 crore. So far, stormwater drain has been laid for around 300 km. The rest of the works would be completed at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore with financial assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” he said. When asked about Madras High Court's directive that encroachments on waterways should be removed, he said the government had been removing them without any delay.
He visited a shelter at Perungalathur in Kancheepuram district, where 250 people were staying. He distributed food, dhotis, saris and blankets to the affected people. As many as 10,640 people have been affected by heavy rains in Chennai. They all are currently accommodated in 114 relief camps, while 295 medical camps, including 15 mobile camps have been functioning to help those affected.
