Floods routine as SWD in Vepery lane last de-silted 10 years ago

Chennai: It's been nearly 10 years since the stormwater drain at Arian Lane in Vepery was last de-silted, and it showed during the recent rain. Residents said it took over 12 to 15 hours for floodwaters to drain. Complaints to zonal-level officials and the GCC helpline didn't help.
"Though the civic body constructed stormwater drains, they are clogged with garbage and are not cleaned even ahead of the northeast monsoon. Even after mild showers, the street gets waterlogged. We have been struggling with this issue for years," said D Deepak Kumar, a resident of Arian Lane.
Residents say they have filed loads of complaints with GCC and Metrowater about the clogged stormwater drains and sewage mixing with stagnant rainwater. They say their complaints are dismissed with the response that there is waterlogging in several areas and that the water will drain away within a few hours.
"Usually, it takes an hour or two for rainwater to drain from the neighbouring streets. However, from Arian Lane it took more than 12 to 15 hours during the recent spells. We are forced to walk through filthy water, and although complaints were raised with GCC and Metrowater officials, and through online grievance portals, there was no inspection or action taken. The authorities give a lethargic response every time," said Krishnamurthy L, another resident of Vepery.
When contacted, P Sriramulu, ward committee chairman of Royapuram zone (zone 5), said he would inspect and look into the civic issues in the area and take steps to address them.