A civic measure undertaken by the Greater Chennai Corporation in Thiruvottiyur has drawn public attention and criticism after officials were seen tying mosquito nets under iron grates placed atop stormwater drains.
The development comes amid the Corporation’s ongoing stormwater drain project, under which works worth nearly ₹4,000 crore have been undertaken and completed across Chennai to prevent rainwater stagnation on roads during the monsoon. The project was intended to improve drainage and reduce flooding in low-lying areas.
However, in Thiruvottiyur, Corporation workers were found covering the stormwater drain grates with mosquito nets. Officials reportedly said the step was taken to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water inside the drains.
The unusual sight triggered reactions from residents and passersby, many of whom questioned the logic of the measure and mocked it on social media. While some residents laughed off the move, others raised concerns over whether covering drains with nets could obstruct water flow and defeat the purpose of the drainage system.
The issue has since turned comical and controversial, with questions being raised about planning, technical oversight, and the effectiveness of such ad hoc solutions in a city that has invested heavily in storm-water infrastructure.
Corporation officials have not yet issued a detailed clarification on whether the measure is temporary or part of a broader mosquito-control strategy.
நீங்க ஒரு சிட்டி விஞ்ஞானி..! கொசு உற்பத்தியை தடுக்க புதிய வழி..?#Chennai #Corporation #Mosquito #Chennaicorporation #Newtechnique #TNGovt #TamilNews #Newstamil #Newstamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/YadzSeF67d
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 20, 2026
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