In a fervent plea to safeguard the lives of Chennai residents, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah has penned a compelling letter to key authorities, urging the immediate suspension of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) technical consent for a residential construction project on the city’s flood plains along the Cooum River.
Addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department Secretary, Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Member Secretary of CMDA, and Chief Engineer of the Water Resource Department, Suryah’s letter draws attention to the critical findings of the V. Thirupugazh IAS Committee Report, submitted in May 2023.
The Thirupugazh committee, appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government, submitted an interim report in May 2022 and a final report in May 2023. The interim report underscores the paramount concern of Chennai’s rivers and stormwater drains reaching their maximum flood-carrying capacity, compounded by the pervasive issue of encroachments. The committee strongly recommends a prohibition on developments along flood plains and advocates for the government to devise comprehensive drainage pathways for floodwaters.
Highlighting CMDA’s controversial proposal to reclassify 11.5 acres of floodplain adjacent to the Cooum River from “Non-urban use zone” to “Residential use zone,” Suryah expressed deep concern. This area, a crucial channel for diverting floodwater into the sea, is pivotal for Chennai’s flood management.
The V. Thirupugazh IAS Committee proposed an elevation of CMDA’s land exercise by 4.325 meters, amounting to nearly 15 lakh sq.ft, as a preventive measure against future inundations. Notably, the committee emphasized that if CMDA proceeded with reclassification and construction, the realtor was unlikely to elevate the land adequately, potentially resulting in a 50 lakh sq.ft expanse susceptible to flooding.
Suryah argued that CMDA’s pursuit of the project contradicts the Thirupugazh committee’s recommendations and highlights the urgency of integrating development and disaster management in planning. He denounced CMDA’s audacious pursuit of the project, characterizing it as a potential threat to the lives and well-being of Chennai residents. He implored the Tamil Nadu government to intervene promptly and annul CMDA’s proposal, aligning with the recommendations of the V. Thirupugazh IAS Committee.
I've written a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department Secretary, Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Member Secretary of CMDA & Chief Engineer of
Water Resource Department to immediately shelve #CMDA's technical consent given for… pic.twitter.com/zzecwAmxiC— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) December 18, 2023
It is noteworthy that SG Suryah has been undertaking various relief works ever since Cyclone Michaung struck Chennai in the first week of December 2023.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.