Mayor accuses state of late start

Chennai Mayor R. Priya told The Hindu that the State government delayed monsoon preparedness works this season. The major review meeting was held only in October, when heavy rain would usually begin.

Meetings should happen earlier

Ms. Priya said monsoon preparedness meetings are usually held in July or August, but this year's major review came only in October. Planning and inter-departmental coordination must begin well in advance.

“Monsoon preparedness meetings are usually held in July or August, but the major review meeting this year was held only in October.”

Desilting work started late

Desilting work, which should normally start in June, began only towards the end of August. This delay has affected the time available to complete the work before the monsoon arrives.

Silt piling up on roads

Ms. Priya raised concerns that silt removed from stormwater drains has piled up on roads. When it rains, the silt will wash back into drains or spread across roads, defeating the purpose of desilting.

“The desilting has not been completed properly in several places, and the silt removed from drains has piled up on roads.”

Road work exceeding deadlines

In areas such as Choolaimedu and Pulianthope, residents complained about excavations continuing beyond the September 30 deadline. Ms. Priya said works should not routinely spill over into the monsoon season.

Funding shortage hampers repairs

Ms. Priya said inadequate funds for civic maintenance is a major concern. Road repairs require materials such as bitumen, and officials worry about undertaking work without clear funding allocations.

“Even routine work, such as patching up roads, requires materials and funds.”