Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is planning a 5.24 crore project to raise the retaining wall of the 2.78km long Veerangal Odai to mitigate flooding in Velachery, Madipakkam and Adambakkam. The major flood carrier currently has a water-carrying capacity of 654 cusecs.
The proposed upgrades aim to increase the capacity by 25%, reducing spillovers and floods, according to officials. The canal channels rainwater to Pallikaranai marshland at the Kaiveli junction. Recently, its maintenance was transferred from water resources department to GCC.
A detailed project report has been prepared to raise the retaining wall, particularly from Adambakkam lake along a 1.7km stretch, where shorter walls exist currently. "Around 250m of the channel in Adambakkam has no retaining wall, causing frequent spillovers and floods. We plan to construct a 300m high wall on the roadside, and raise the wall by 900m on the opposite side," said Hartin, executive engineer of Adyar zone (zone 13). The project also includes installing shutters at four strategic locations to control water flow.
Adyar zonal officer P V Srinivasan said areas such as Ram Nagar in Madipakkam are frequently inundated due to the canal's overflow. "Last time, floodwaters were pumped out and shutters were used in interior drains to prevent reverse flow, but raising the wall along Veerangal Odai remains essential. This will benefit low-lying areas such as Srinivasan Nagar, Kuberan Nagar, AGS Colony, and Kalki Nagar," Srinivasan said.
GCC has finalised the project estimate and will soon submit it for govt approval. Officials assured that the work would be completed before next northeast monsoon to provide relief from recurring floods.