Residents flag safety risk as silt removed from canals piles up along city roads

Silt cleared from canals and stormwater drains (SWDs) has been left piled along roadsides in several parts of Chennai, including near Sathyam Theatre, Velachery Lake, Nandanam Canal and parts of Anna Nagar, residents said, raising concerns over sanitation and safety ahead of more rain.

K. Murali, a resident of Thirumoorthy Nagar in Nungambakkam, said at least 30 rats had emerged from drains after they were cleaned, damaging his compound wall. “This creates an unhealthy environment, especially during the rain. I called 1913, but there was no response for several days. After repeated attempts, a person attending the helpline gave me the contact number of the Corporation zonal office. I spoke to the official and, as advised, sent a video and my address to the number. However, no action has been taken so far,” he said.

A resident of Nandanam said two snake skins were found in the locality while sludge remained uncleared for days. Following a complaint, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) removed the silt, but the muck was not completely cleared, the resident said. The Forest Department was also informed about the snake spotted in the residential areas, but officials could not identify the exact location of the reptiles. With children living in the neighbourhood and more rain expected, the resident urged the authorities to act immediately.

Mayor R. Priya had earlier said that leaving silt unattended would defeat the purpose of desilting, as the sand could flow back into the drains. She said she would ask officials to take steps to address the issue.

During the council meeting in September, councillors had also raised concerns over silt dumped along roadsides. GCC officials said the waste would be transported to either the Perungudi or Kodungaiyur dumpyards.