Sun Jul 13 17:54:01 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Residents Raise Concerns Over Pollution as Corporation Plans Canal Rejuvenation

**Chennai, July 13, 2025** – Residents of Anna Nagar are voicing concerns about the ongoing pollution of the Otteri Nullah Canal, despite the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) planning a ₹65-crore rejuvenation project. The Federation of Anna Nagar Residents’ Associations (FOARA) raised the alarm during a recent field inspection led by Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) H.R. Koushik of the GCC.

FOARA secretary, Sandhya Vedullapalli, highlighted the frequent discharge of untreated industrial effluents into the 10.8-km canal, particularly near the Padi Flyover. Residents have reported a strong chemical odour and concerns over deteriorating air quality. The association pointed out the stark difference in water quality between the polluted section near the TVS Canal and the cleaner starting point of the Otteri Nullah, urging authorities to pinpoint and address the source of contamination.

The inspection, which also covered flood-prone areas in Anna Nagar, was attended by Anna Nagar MLA M.K. Mohan, Villivakkam MLA A. Vetriazhagan, and senior GCC officials from Zones VII and VIII. FOARA members emphasized the need to expedite work on a drain on 100-Feet Road to divert floodwater from the North Avenue Canal to the Coovum River. They also called for immediate action on a retaining wall on 6th Avenue, a stretch notorious for flooding during the monsoon season.

The GCC’s planned rejuvenation project aims to address the canal’s issues through desilting, strengthening canal walls, and upgrading infrastructure. The maintenance of the canal was transferred from the Water Resources Department (WRD) to the GCC in October 2024. While residents welcome the planned improvements, they are emphasizing the urgent need to tackle the ongoing pollution to safeguard public health and the environment.

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