Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has strongly criticised the DMK government and the Greater Chennai Corporation for their negligence in ensuring public safety around stormwater drainage works. His remarks follow the tragic death of a woman in Choolaimedu, Chennai, who reportedly fell into an uncovered drain.
The incident occurred in Virapandi Nagar, where the woman is said to have accidentally stepped on a flimsy wooden plank placed over an open stormwater drain. The plank gave way, leading to her fatal fall. However, the Greater Chennai Corporation has claimed that the site was not a stormwater drain but a silt pit. Reports also surfaced suggesting the woman’s mouth and hands were tied, though images from the scene indicate her dupatta was tangled around her hands, not tied as speculated.
Annamalai also pointed out, “Just a few days ago, a sanitation worker died from electrocution in stagnant water while on duty.”
He accused the DMK of offering excuses rather than accountability. “For the past four years, stormwater drain work has been ongoing in Chennai. The ministers and the Chennai mayor have been claiming that a certain percentage of the work is complete for four years, but no one knows when the work will be finished. Instead of admitting to their mistakes and finding solutions, the DMK government is focused on diverting attention with various excuses every time a life is lost. After a severe summer, the ground would naturally absorb the rainwater. The DMK government, which rushes to take credit for the lack of waterlogging by putting up stickers saying it’s due to their stormwater drain work, why don’t they take responsibility for the mishaps caused by their half-finished work?” he asked.
Annamalai also mocked the optics of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, saying, “On top it all off, there was empty publicity saying Chief Minister @mkstalin inquired about the Chennai rains from Germany.”
His full message read, “A woman has died after accidentally falling into an open stormwater drain in Virapandi Nagar, Choolaimedu, Chennai. Reports say the drain was not properly covered but was instead covered with a wooden plank and when the woman stepped on it, the plank broke, and she fell to her death. However, the Chennai Corporation has offered a new explanation, claiming it was not a stormwater drain but a silt pit. Additionally, there are reports that the deceased woman’s mouth and hands were bound. But photographs of the scene show her dupatta entangled in her hands, not bound.
Just a few days ago, a sanitation worker died from electrocution in stagnant water while on duty. Now, another woman has died. For the past four years, stormwater drain work has been ongoing in Chennai. The ministers and the Chennai mayor have been claiming that a certain percentage of the work is complete for four years, but no one knows when the work will be finished. Instead of admitting to their mistakes and finding solutions, the DMK government is focused on diverting attention with various excuses every time a life is lost. After a severe summer, the ground would naturally absorb the rainwater. The DMK government, which rushes to take credit for the lack of waterlogging by putting up stickers saying it’s due to their stormwater drain work, why don’t they take responsibility for the mishaps caused by their half-finished work? To top it all off, there was empty publicity saying Chief Minister @mkstalin inquired about the Chennai rains from Germany. I urge the DMK government to immediately find the details of the deceased woman and take appropriate action. Additionally, they must ensure proper safety for the public in all areas where stormwater drain work is in progress.”
சென்னை சூளைமேடு வீரபாண்டி நகரில், மூடப்படாமல் இருந்த மழைநீர் வடிகால் தொட்டியில் தவறி விழுந்து, பெண் ஒருவர் உயிரிழந்திருக்கிறார். இந்தத் தொட்டியை, சரியாக மூடாமல் மட்டப்பலகையை வைத்து மூடியிருந்ததாகவும், தெரியாமல் அதில் கால் வைத்த பெண், மட்டப்பலகை உடைந்து தவறி விழுந்து இறந்து… pic.twitter.com/ztDvI979py
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) September 2, 2025
Ongoing Drainage Works and Public Backlash
The woman’s death comes as Chennai is in the midst of pre-monsoon stormwater drain preparations. The Corporation has been deploying jetting and suction equipment to clean out drains and prevent flooding during the upcoming northeast monsoon. Key flood-prone areas from last year, including Ashok Nagar and Jaffarkhanpet, are undergoing drainage system upgrades.
In Choolaimedu, where the incident took place, several portions of the drainage project remain incomplete. While some sections have been finished, many areas still pose risks due to uncovered or poorly marked work zones.
According to reports, the incident occurred early in the morning, and the police were alerted soon after. The woman’s body was recovered, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death and identify the deceased. Local residents have expressed shock and frustration, noting that their previous complaints about unsafe conditions went unheeded.
Despite public outrage, the Chennai Corporation has denied that the death occurred due to a fall into an open stormwater drain. The body was allegedly found in nearby sand, and Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar stated that the woman had fallen into a nearby silt tank, not an open drain. He added that all drainage work was being carried out with appropriate safety protocols under the instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister.
However, locals remain unconvinced, and many continue to demand transparency and accountability from city officials.
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