Mon Dec 23 16:14:40 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Drowning in Sewage: Monsoon Complaints Flood Civic Agencies
**Chennai, December 24, 2024** – Greater Chennai Corporation and other civic agencies are grappling with a deluge of monsoon-related complaints, with sewage overflow and water stagnation topping the list. Since the onset of the Northeast monsoon on October 15th, a staggering 37,371 complaints have been filed across the city’s 15 zones, up to December 23rd.
Water stagnation accounted for the largest share, with 17,235 reports. Faulty streetlights and delayed garbage removal followed closely with 12,053 and 8,225 complaints respectively. While many complaints have been addressed (16,591 for water stagnation, 11,891 for streetlights, and 7,800 for garbage), hundreds remain pending, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
The situation is particularly dire in areas like Korattur, where over 300 homes are affected by sewage overflow and water stagnation, according to AIADMK councillor J. John. Residents report sewage mixing with drinking water and polluted borewells. The problem, according to resident Senthil Nath, stems from a damaged old sewage pipeline serving 22 areas, causing stormwater drains to carry sewage, which then overflows into homes during rainfall.
Several councillors are advocating for the construction of sewage treatment plants to mitigate the issue. Anna Nagar councillor T.V. Shemmozhi has requested two plants for his ward, while others echo the need for improved sewage infrastructure. Former Congress councillor S. Mangala Raj also reported similar problems in Mylapore. The persistent issues raise serious concerns about public health and the city’s preparedness for future monsoons.
First Piper 