Minister Anand inspects desilting at Velachery, Narayanapuram lakes

Minister reviews lake work ahead of monsoon

Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development Minister N. Anand conducted a surprise inspection of desilting operations at Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes on Wednesday. The visit comes as the Greater Chennai Corporation accelerates flood mitigation measures ahead of the northeast monsoon.

Officials from the Water Resources Department and the local corporation accompanied the minister during the site visit. The inspection covered both water bodies that serve as crucial stormwater drainage catchments for southern Chennai suburbs.

Desilting progress and directives

Minister Anand walked along the lake bunds and examined the depth of excavation carried out so far. He instructed engineers to maintain the targeted timeline for completing the desilting of both lakes.

Sources present at the inspection said the minister specifically asked about the disposal of silt removed from the lakes. He directed that the material be transported to designated dumping yards without delay to avoid clogging of stormwater drains in the vicinity.

Residents of Velachery and Narayanapuram have long complained about waterlogging during heavy rains. The lakes, which have shrunk due to encroachment and silt accumulation, often overflow, flooding nearby streets.

Pre-monsoon preparedness

The Chennai Corporation has identified several water bodies across the city for desilting this year. Velachery and Narayanapuram lakes are among the priority sites due to their role in draining a large residential and commercial catchment.

Minister Anand emphasised that the desilting work must be finished before the monsoon sets in. He warned that any slackness would be viewed seriously and directed senior officials to submit weekly progress reports.

The inspection also covered the condition of inlet and outlet channels. These channels carry rainwater from surrounding areas into the lakes. Officials have been asked to clear any blockages found in these channels.

Local response and expectations

Local residents and ward councillors who met the minister during the inspection expressed cautious optimism. Many said they hoped the current desilting drive would be more thorough than in previous years.

A few residents pointed out that illegal construction and garbage dumping near the banks remain persistent problems. They urged the minister to ensure long-term maintenance of the desilted areas.

Minister Anand assured them that the government is committed to preventing flooding in Chennai. He said that similar inspections would be carried out at other vulnerable lakes in the coming weeks.

The northeast monsoon typically brings heavy rainfall to Chennai between October and December. The corporation aims to complete all major desilting work by mid-September.

Officials have not yet confirmed the total quantity of silt removed so far from the two lakes. A detailed report on the desilting progress is expected to be submitted to the minister by next week.

What to watch: The Chennai Corporation is likely to announce a schedule for inspecting other major water bodies in the city. Residents will be monitoring whether the desilting at Velachery and Narayanapuram translates into fewer waterlogged streets this monsoon season.