₹93.5 crore flood work set to begin along Madurai’s Panthalkudi Channel

Madurai: To mitigate flooding during the monsoon, the water resources department (WRD) is set to launch ₹93.5 crore worth of flood control work along the Panthalkudi Channel and surrounding areas. The project includes constructing reinforced cement concrete (RCC) retaining walls on both sides of the canal and upgrading existing culverts to improve water flow and prevent breaches during heavy rainfall.WRD officials said tenders will be floated this week, and a government order is expected soon. Of the total cost, ₹63.5 crore has been earmarked for the retaining walls along Panthalkudi, and ₹6.9 crore for revamping six existing culverts. Additional flood protection measures are also planned for Eachan Oadai near Mattuthavani and low-lying areas in Uthangudi, which were flooded during last year's rains.The Panthalkudi channel, which carries overflow from the Sellur tank to the Vaigai, is one of the city's oldest and most vital water channels. However, unchecked sewage discharge and garbage dumping have turned it into an open drain. "The stench is unbearable, and the canal overflows onto the streets during rains," said M Saravanan, a Sellur resident. "Sewage from several wards enters the canal. What's the point of underground drainage if it doesn't work?" he added.Chief minister M K Stalin had inspected the channel on May 31 and directed civic officials to expedite the restoration. But delays have sparked public concern ahead of the northeast monsoon."This isn't just an infrastructure issue — it's a matter of public health and safety. The work must start immediately before the next round of rains," said M Sankara Pandian, a civic activist from Sellur.MSID:: 122936201 413 |