Residents are warning of a safety hazard as silt removed from canals piles up along city roads

Damaged wall due to rat pest at Thirumoorthy Nagar in Nungambakkam. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Debris cleared from canals and storm water drains (SWDs) remained piled up along roads in several parts of Chennai, including near Sathyam Theatre, Velachery Lake, Nandanam Canal and parts of Anna Nagar, residents said, raising concerns about sanitation and safety ahead of more rain.

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

A resident of Nandanam said that two snake skins were found in the locality while the sludge remained uncleaned for several days. After a complaint, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) removed the mud, but the mud was not completely cleaned, a resident said. The forest department was also informed about the snake spotted in the residential areas, but the officials could not pinpoint the exact location of the reptiles. With children living in the neighborhood and more rain expected, the resident urged the authorities to act immediately.

A pile of mud near a micro canal in Nandanam earlier in October 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Mayor R. Priya had earlier said that leaving the silt unattended would defeat the purpose of desilting as the sand could flow back into the drain. She said she would ask officials to take action to fix the problem.

During the September council meeting, councilors also raised concerns about mud dumped along the roads. GCC officials said the waste would be taken to either Perungudi or Kodungaiyur landfill.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 0:51 AM IST