Rain throws life out of gear in Chennai’s western suburbs

CHENNAI: Severe waterlogging caused by intermittent rains inundated several residential neighbourhoods in Chennai's western suburbs and outskirts, including Avadi, Pattabiram, Ambattur, and Thirumazhisai. Among the worst-hit areas are Avadi's 60ft Road, Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) Colony, and Gopalapuram, where water levels rose to hip height, causing severe distress and disrupting residents' daily commutes.
In wards 40 and 41 of Avadi's TNHB Colony, over 1,500 houses were affected, with sewage mixing into floodwaters and entering 500 houses. "The Avadi Corporation's head office is located nearby, yet no preventive measures were taken to stop water from entering homes," said Dharanidharan A, a TNHB resident. "Every time it rains, we complain, but no action is ever taken. This issue persisted for years, affecting hundreds of families."

T Sadagopan, a citizen-activist, pointed out that the long-standing issue with the stormwater drain along the Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road remains unresolved despite residents raising complaints for over 15 years. "The corporation stalled enough time and failed to act, leaving the area vulnerable to waterlogging every monsoon," he said. He added that the drains on the main highway are poorly designed, incapable of handling excessive rainwater from interior streets, and remain blocked with solid waste as they are not desilted or cleaned ahead of the monsoon.
Responding to the crisis, Avadi Corporation Commissioner S. Kandasamy said that an alternate sewer line, estimated at 20 crore, is under consideration. "Studies are being conducted by Anna University, and once the sewer line is constructed, the long-standing issues of waterlogging and sewage leaks will be resolved," he assured. Kandasamy also noted that many areas, including TNHB, are built on reclaimed lake beds, making them prone to flooding.
In addition to residential woes, commuters from Thirumazhisai and nearby areas faced challenges. Shanthi S, a resident of S Mada Street in Thirumazhisai, highlighted the poor state of MTC bus stops. "The bus stops are dilapidated, waterlogged, and unsafe. The rusted sunshades pose a danger to commuters, yet the corporation ignored them for years," she said.