The countdown for the onset of NE monsoon in TN has begun now as NE monsoon is expected to set in tomorrow !!
The GCC is leaving no stones unturned now to avoid flooding and help the residents of Chennai. A control room has been set up by GCC now and several measures have been initiated. It must be noted that GCC has deployed motor pumps to drain out the stagnated water plus staff on night duty at 113 flood prone places in the Chennai city. These 113 places have saucer shaped profiles is well known.
At all the 15 GCCz zones, evacuation points have been readied. The control rooms have been activated and GCC has started monitoring issues pertaining to flooding, traffic diversions and potential evacuation of residents etc. Regarding monsoon related problems, the Chennaites have been asked to call the helpline number 1913.
It is now brought out that GCC would also complete work on a few stretches of incomplete drains in a few days before the onset of NE monsoon. It was later confirmed by some officials that the first spell of rain in the NE monsoon was expected on Saturday, 29th October. To improve the preparedness of NE monsoons, a series of meetings took place on Thursday, 27th October. To complete the work regarding SWD at 17 locations in Chennai, the Highways Dept has been given clear instructions by the TN government. In one week, the Highways dept would complete the SWD works at these 17 locations. To reduce flooding in the southern parts of Chennai, WRD has been directed to complete major flood mitigation projects in places like Semmenchery etc.
For the evacuation of residents in low lying areas, each of the 15 GCC zones have received a cash advance. In all the areas that are prone to floods ,motor pumps have been kept ready.