Chennai: Residents of N and O blocks of Anna Nagar and parts of Pulianthope are apprehensive that their neighbourhood may be inundated during the monsoon rains. While the city prays for a good monsoon, residents in these areas are worried about showers.
Otteri Nullah, the canal which passes through these localities contain stagnat water and is already clogged. Local people are worried about heavy rains which inuadate the locality in flood water.
B Hamsa, a resident of Anna Nagar ‘N’ Block, says, “Flooding has been a problem we face during every monsoon. We hope the authorities have taken appropriate action to prevent it this time”
K Ramadoss, president of North Chennai district Exnora, said that the canal was supposed to serve only as a channel to drain flood waters during heavy rains. “It has turned into a place to release sewage water into. Residents including people of certain slums are releasing sullage and grey water into the canal,” he alleged.
However, the slum dwellers have a different story to tell. Bommi, a resident of Pulianthope on the Ambedkar canal side of the Otteri Nullah denies the charge. “It is the private contractors who are dumping the construction waste in the canal. Officials are however accusing us.”
When contacted, a senior Chennai Corporation official said that the civic body was aware of the issue. “Yes, we are aware of these complaints. The canal is being desilted every now and then. Even last year we desilted it ahead of the monsoon. Also, to avoid flooding, the PWD is now constructing retaining walls throughout the canal.”
The Otteri Nullah starts near the Padi bridge. It passes through Anna Nagar, Villivakkam, Kilpauk, Pulianthope and culminates at the North Buckingham canal.
Stressing that the discharge of sewage is a major reason for the flooding of N and O blocks besides certain parts of Pulianthope, the Exnora official wanted the corporation authorities to chalk out a permanent solution.
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