Coimbatore Collector, Corporation Commissioner Inspect Waterlogging Hotspots, Culvert Replacement and Drainage Works

Coimbatore: With northeast monsoon rains lashing Coimbatore since Sunday, civic officials have stepped up efforts to tackle waterlogging, clear blocked drainage channels and expedite ongoing stormwater drain works across the city.

During a joint inspection on Monday, District Collector Pawan Kumar Giriyappanar and Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja reviewed waterlogging-prone locations and assessed the progress of rainwater drainage and harvesting works.

The officials examined rainwater removal works along roads near the Ward 83 office complex in the Central Zone, where water had accumulated following heavy rainfall. They directed officials to identify vulnerable spots, establish rainwater harvesting structures and keep motor pumps, pipes and other equipment ready to drain accumulated water without delay.

At a culvert near the N.S.R. Road junction on Mettupalayam Road in Ward 45, the officials reviewed plans to replace the existing structure, which is prone to blockages during rainfall, with a precast box culvert. The concerned departments were instructed to expedite the work and ensure that any drainage blockages during the monsoon are cleared immediately. The proposed culvert design includes five-metre gaps between sections to facilitate drainage.

The inspection covered rainwater harvesting structures on Thondamuthur Road and Anjaneyar Road in Ward 38 of the West Zone. In Ward 99, the officials examined a proposed site for a lagoon to store rainwater during the monsoon. They also reviewed arrangements to drain water from a low-lying area in Ward 89 through a nearby watercourse.

Corporation Deputy Commissioner R.A. Venkatachalam, Chief Engineer P. Jayalakshmi, National Highways officials, zonal assistant commissioners and engineers accompanied the Collector and Commissioner during the inspection.