Diversion channel project reaches crucial phase.

Work to link floodwater from Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam canal through a concrete channel to Cooum river is approaching a crucial stage on Koyambedu junction.

Among the last of the projects waiting to be completed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the work that was started two years ago aims to reduce inundation in areas around Koyambedu during monsoon by transmitting surplus water to Cooum river.

The Water Resources Department (WRD), which is executing the Rs. 30-crore project, plans to start work in the crucial portion at Koyambedu junction on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai this week. The department considers it a challenging task as it is a busy junction that houses Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and is an important link to various areas.

Of the total distance of 2,400 metre to be covered, construction of the channel is remaining only in 110 metres. At present, work is on progress at Kaliamman Koil Street near CMBT and will be completed in a few days.

Officials of WRD said the construction of channel on the busy junction will be done during night hours to facilitate smooth flow of traffic during the day. 'We will use fully covered precast concrete blocks for speedy construction and interlink with already constructed portions,' said an official.

About 100 blocks will be laid and the entire project is expected to be completed in a month. 'We plan to fill the 6-metre wide trench with blue metal once the work in the particular portion is over so that vehicles can pass through in the day time,' the official added.

Meanwhile, residents demand that the service lane of the Koyambedu flyover must be thrown open for traffic as a portion of the work has been completed.


THE HINDU