Highways Department to start desilting Chennai stormwater drains soon

Chennai's Highways Department has announced it will start desilting stormwater drains across the city in the coming days. The move comes ahead of the northeast monsoon, which typically brings heavy rainfall to the region.

Officials said the work will focus on major arterial roads and low-lying areas that have seen waterlogging in previous years. The department has identified over 200 kilometres of drains that need immediate attention.

Why desilting is critical now

Stormwater drains in Chennai have been choked with silt and debris for months. During the last monsoon, several neighbourhoods reported knee-deep water on roads. Cars stalled, and daily life came to a halt in many parts of the city.

Residents in areas like T. Nagar, Mylapore, and Velachery have been particularly vocal about the problem. They have submitted repeated complaints to local corporations and the Highways Department.

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Every year it’s the same story. Drains are cleaned only after the water enters our homes. We hope this time the work is done properly and on time.”

Scope of the work

The desilting will cover both open and covered drains along major highways and interior roads. The department will deploy excavators, JCBs, and manual labour teams to clear the channels.

Waste removed from the drains will be transported to designated dumping yards. Officials have instructed contractors to ensure that silt does not pile up on roadsides, which has been a complaint in earlier drives.

The Highways Department has also coordinated with the Greater Chennai Corporation to avoid damaging underground utility lines during the work.

Timeline and challenges

Officials said the desilting will be completed within four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions. However, they acknowledged that delays are possible if rain interrupts the work schedule.

A senior official from the department said: “We are starting immediately. The teams have been mobilised, and equipment is being moved to the first set of locations. We are aiming to finish before the peak monsoon season sets in.”

Past desilting drives have been criticised for being incomplete or rushed. The department has not yet confirmed whether it will impose penalties on contractors who fail to meet deadlines.

What residents should expect

During the desilting process, some roads may see partial closures or traffic diversions. The department has said it will put up signage and deploy traffic marshals to minimise inconvenience.

Residents are advised not to dump garbage or construction waste into stormwater drains. Such practices have worsened blockages in the past. The corporation has urged people to use designated waste collection services instead.

The next few weeks will show whether the Highways Department can deliver on its promise. For Chennai, a city that has faced devastating floods in recent years, effective drain maintenance is not just a civic issue — it is a matter of safety.