View of South Buckingham Canal (File) | Photo Credit: B Jothi Ramalingam
Uthandi residents raised their concerns about the proposed canal to divert the flood water to the sea through their neighborhood and lack the risk of wastewater pollution.
The WRD Department (WRD) began to work on the 1.2 km long leak channel floods from the southern Buckingham channel near Okkiyam Maduvi to the sea through the VGP layout, Uthandi. The purpose of the project is to drain excess water from the Buckingham channel and to provide flood relief in areas around the Palllikraran swamp.
While they noticed that they were not against the projects of flooding, the inhabitants raised doubts that the channel could end up expressing water from the Buckingham channel to the sea instead of flood water. Prabhu Zambiappan, President, Liberal Society, Environmental Society, Social Society for Ushandi residents, said the channel that would mediate water through the VGP layout would cause environmental pollution.
He said the new channel pointed out that Greater Chennai Corporation has launched steps to upgrade Uthandi Beach on Beach Blue Flag Beach, and pollutes the beach and affects marine life.
The inhabitants also complained that the work was carried out without public consultation. The underground channel does not have to be able to handle a tidal flow and can affect the quality of groundwater.
Surya sambasivam, secretary, UTHANDI VGP Layout 1, Association for Social Care of Residents and Residents said that the locality is laid for drinking water supply and sewer network. Dicking after flood water is likely to damage other pipes.
The inhabitants who recently performed a demonstration made a state government looking for relocation of the project to less populated areas. They proposed the creation of a water body in the recently claimed premises of the Madras Race, Guindy and extension and dredging the South Buckingham channel to improve the flood load.
Some roads, including Amirtha Street and Roja Street- induced for the Chennai Metrowater sewer network project, are still waiting for blacktopping for eight months. Working on the channel would worsen the situation, they said.
Muthukumar Aiyamperumal, the inhabitants added that the slow pace of work influenced everyday life. Motorists often face the risk of skidding on unpaved first and second main roads due to the sandy surface along the beach.
Sources in the WRD reported that the channel is designed to provide only excess flood water during top flood periods. Hydrological aspects, including high levels of tides, were taken into account into the canal construction to prevent backflow. Other projects are underway that will expand the equipment for the treatment of sewerage and waste water in the neighborhood.
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Published – August 28 2025 17:59
