Even as work is on to improve stretches of Adyar, residents complain that new encroachments are coming up along the river banks near Jaffarkhanpet.
Residents recalled that several areas along the river such as Ekkaduthangal and Jaffarkhanpet were severely affected during the 2015 floods. The work to widen the stretch of the river and also remove encroachments was initiated last year. But, there has been no progress in the work in the stretch near Ekkaduthangal.
Moreover, a few makeshift structures have come up along the Adyar bank near West Jaffarkhanpet. Allowing such encroachments would lead to flooding in the neighbouring areas, said R.Mahalakshmi, a resident of Balaji Nagar, Ekkaduthangal.
G.Selva, Virugambakkam CPI (M) area secretary, said a small channel bringing flood water from Guindy to Adyar river has also been encroached upon.
The issue of new encroachments have been represented to various government agencies, including Water Resources Department and Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited. However, no action has been taken so far.
“When measures are taken to evict settlements along the river banks, why are such encroachments being allowed despite complaints,” he questioned.
₹19-crore work on
The Water Resources Department is now executing works to improve the stretch of Adyar between Adhanur and Manapakkam at a cost of ₹19 crore.
Work is on to restore Adyar to its original width.
The department had removed nearly 4,100 encroachments out of the total 10,100 identified along the river. However, the project to improve the stretch between Manapakkam and the estuary is yet to take off as it awaits funds.
Officials assurance
Officials of the Water Resources Department said measures would be taken to remove encroachments after a visit to the site. The second phase of the project is likely to start soon once the funds are allotted.
“We have also written to the Highways department to remove the causeway beneath the Ekkaduthangal flyover as it often led to flooding. Once it is removed, we will close the gaps in the river bund and prevent inundation in neighbouring localities,” said an official.
Residents recalled that several areas along the river such as Ekkaduthangal and Jaffarkhanpet were severely affected during the 2015 floods. The work to widen the stretch of the river and also remove encroachments was initiated last year. But, there has been no progress in the work in the stretch near Ekkaduthangal.
Moreover, a few makeshift structures have come up along the Adyar bank near West Jaffarkhanpet. Allowing such encroachments would lead to flooding in the neighbouring areas, said R.Mahalakshmi, a resident of Balaji Nagar, Ekkaduthangal.
G.Selva, Virugambakkam CPI (M) area secretary, said a small channel bringing flood water from Guindy to Adyar river has also been encroached upon.
The issue of new encroachments have been represented to various government agencies, including Water Resources Department and Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited. However, no action has been taken so far.
“When measures are taken to evict settlements along the river banks, why are such encroachments being allowed despite complaints,” he questioned.
₹19-crore work on
The Water Resources Department is now executing works to improve the stretch of Adyar between Adhanur and Manapakkam at a cost of ₹19 crore.
Work is on to restore Adyar to its original width.
The department had removed nearly 4,100 encroachments out of the total 10,100 identified along the river. However, the project to improve the stretch between Manapakkam and the estuary is yet to take off as it awaits funds.
Officials assurance
Officials of the Water Resources Department said measures would be taken to remove encroachments after a visit to the site. The second phase of the project is likely to start soon once the funds are allotted.
“We have also written to the Highways department to remove the causeway beneath the Ekkaduthangal flyover as it often led to flooding. Once it is removed, we will close the gaps in the river bund and prevent inundation in neighbouring localities,” said an official.