The stormwater drains (SWDs) in Anna Nagar are overwhelmed and unable to manage the floodwaters, largely due to heavy concretization in the area and the recent Metro rail construction work.
Anna Nagar, once a prestigious residential area with soaring real estate prices, is now a prime example of poor urban planning. Recently, heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in several interior and main roads of Anna Nagar West, including parking areas, leading to chaos during peak-hour traffic. The intense downpour lasting over an hour left residents and motorists frustrated.
A visit to the area revealed that the once peaceful Anna Nagar is now often reminisced about as a “yesteryear memory” by longtime residents. The local stormwater drains (SWDs) are struggling to manage floodwaters due to extensive concretization, compounded by recent Metro rail construction, which has negatively impacted groundwater recharge.
G. Umadevi, a resident of 4th Street, D Sector, expressed concern over the lack of SWDs in her area. Water from East Main Road and the SBOA Main CBSE School East Gate Road flows into 4th Street from both sides, raising worries for the current monsoon season.
A retired professor from Madras Veterinary College noted that flooding of this magnitude had not been seen prior to 2023. He blamed a loop line constructed by nearby corporations, which has been merged with the SWD on Park Road, for the issues. This design decision was seen as an attempt to benefit a few companies at the expense of local residents and schools, causing significant water-logging.
Residents have voiced their frustration over persistent water-logging issues over the past two years, stating that even in 2015, they didn’t experience such flooding. Jammal Munneer, a realtor in Shanti Colony, criticized the new Metro rail stations, stating that their granite platforms and access roads are slippery and hinder groundwater recharge. He urged the Corporation to reassess rainwater hydrology in the area and develop a comprehensive water recharging and drainage plan.
When reached for comment, BK Murthy, the Ambattur zonal chairman, acknowledged the water-logging caused by clogged SWDs and silt catch pits, assuring that measures were being taken to pump out the water and restore normalcy. He mentioned that tenders had been issued to desilt and clean the existing drains and catch pits and urged the public to refrain from littering.
Historically, Anna Nagar featured gardens and wells in each residential property and had ample open land. However, extensive construction has drastically reduced spaces for rainwater harvesting, and the shift to cemented roads has only worsened the situation during monsoons, as highlighted by a former Chennai Corporation councillor from AIADMK.