Chennai Mayor R. Priya announced on Saturday that approximately 2,000 potholes across the city have been identified for immediate patchwork, with ward-wise funds allocated to address them before the year-end. Speaking during an inspection of monsoon preparedness in the Royapuram zone, she stated that major road relaying and resurfacing projects will resume in January 2026, after the northeast monsoon subsides. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is prioritising urgent repairs to ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent accidents during the rainy season.

The mayor highlighted significant improvements in the city's stormwater drainage system since 2022, noting that water stagnation, which previously lasted 10–15 days in low-lying areas, now clears within 24 hours in most cases. She explained that infrastructure upgrades have enabled the city to manage rainfall up to 15 cm without widespread flooding. For extreme events exceeding 40 cm—such as the record deluges of past cyclones—high-capacity pumps have been strategically deployed to mitigate risks.

This year, 206 vulnerable locations have been equipped with 100 HP motor pumps, and advance alerts are issued to residents via SMS and local announcements. Priya, accompanied by Minister PK Sekarbabu, also reviewed desilting operations along a 1.2-km stretch of the Buckingham Canal near Anna Pillai Street and Wood Wharf. Similar cleanup efforts are underway at Otteri Nullah, Virugambakkam Canal, and Veerangal Odai to enhance water flow and prevent blockages.

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The proactive measures reflect lessons learnt from previous monsoon disasters, including the devastating 2015 and 2021 floods. With climate models predicting intensified rainfall due to global warming, the GCC is integrating real-time monitoring, GIS mapping of flood-prone zones, and community participation in preparedness drills. As Chennai braces for the peak monsoon period in November and December, these initiatives aim to minimise disruption and safeguard public safety across its expanding urban landscape.

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