Chennai, 24 October (H.S.) : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday inspected the ongoing dredging works at the Adyar River mouth and reviewed monsoon preparedness near Srinivasapuram in Chennai. The inspection was carried out to ensure the smooth flow of river water into the sea and prevent potential flooding in nearby areas.

According to a government release, during his visit, the Chief Minister instructed officials to widen and deepen the channel to ensure there is no obstruction to the river water's smooth outflow into the sea. Specifically, he directed them to increase the width of the river mouth by approximately 150 meters and ensure uninterrupted outflow. He further ordered the immediate clearing of all sand heaps removed during the dredging operations.

The inspection is the latest in a series of high-level reviews chaired by the Chief Minister on flood preparedness and monsoon impact across several districts. Earlier this month, he had directed district collectors to ensure rainwater drains are desilted, flood control works are expedited, and paddy stocks stored in procurement centers are shifted to safer godowns.

A current update provided in the release noted that due to recent heavy rains, the Chembarambakkam reservoir is filling up, which necessitated the release of 945 cubic feet per second of water into the river on Friday morning.

To maintain continuous vigilance throughout the northeast monsoon period, CM Stalin directed the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Water Resources Department to form a joint monitoring team. This team is tasked with supervising the dredging operations and maintaining continuous surveillance at the river mouth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary