Tamil Nadu to complete stormwater drain desilting by mid-October

Desilting operations across Tamil Nadu's stormwater drainage systems are on track for completion by October 10, according to the state's Water Supply and Sewerage (MAWS) Department. The intensive cleanup drive represents a significant effort to improve water flow and reduce urban flooding risks during the monsoon season.

Work is progressing simultaneously at multiple critical locations throughout the state. The Buckingham Canal, a vital waterway in Chennai, is undergoing desilting at 18 sites, while the Cooum River—another key drainage artery in the city—has cleanup operations underway at 14 locations. The coordinated effort aims to remove accumulated sediment and debris that can impede water movement.

Beyond Chennai, desilting activities are also being conducted in internal canal networks across several tier-two cities in the region. The MAWS Department has initiated similar cleanup operations in Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai to enhance drainage capacity and reduce waterlogging in these urban centers ahead of the monsoon season.

The department's October 10 target reflects efforts to prepare municipal water management infrastructure before the onset of heavy rains. Officials said the desilting drive forms part of a broader stormwater management strategy aimed at mitigating flood risks and ensuring efficient water flow through Chennai and other major cities in Tamil Nadu.