Sat Aug 30 18:39:36 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched extensive flood control measures in Chennai on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The initiatives, costing over ₹176 crore, include desilting and widening of waterways, construction of concrete drains, and removal of waste from canals such as the Otteri Nullah, Railway Ainsley Canal, Captain Cotton Canal, and Kodungaiyur canal. The Water Resources Department is also undertaking desilting works on rivers and canals including the Kosasthalaiyar River and Buckingham Canal.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Boosts Flood Defenses with ₹176 Crore Initiative**

**Chennai, August 31, 2025** – In a proactive move to combat potential flooding, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated a comprehensive flood control program across Chennai on Saturday. The initiative, backed by an investment of over ₹176 crore, aims to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and safeguard the city’s infrastructure.

The ambitious project involves a multi-pronged approach, including the crucial desilting and widening of major waterways. Works worth ₹65 crore have already commenced at the Otteri Nullah in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar Zone. Similar projects, totaling ₹78.87 crore, are underway at the Railway Ainsley Canal, Captain Cotton Canal in Vyasarpadi, and Kodungaiyur canal. These efforts include the construction of concrete-walled covered drains, installation of chain-link fencing to prevent waste accumulation, and the removal of plastic waste and other floating debris.

The Water Resources Department is playing a vital role, allocating ₹32.90 crore for desilting works on key water bodies. These include clearing silt from the Ennore-stream bridge, desilting and cleaning of the Kosasthalaiyar River, work on the Buckingham Canal near the Ennore tunnel (₹4.50 crore), and desilting of the Puzhal surplus canal near the Amullavoyal bridge (₹40 lakh).

The launch event saw the presence of Ministers K.N. Nehru and P.K Sekarbabu, Mayor R. Priya, and other senior officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the city’s vulnerability to flooding.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve Chennai’s drainage capacity and reduce the risk of waterlogging during the monsoon season. Local residents expressed optimism about the project’s potential to provide much-needed relief from the recurring threat of floods.

Read More