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Rainwater receding in low-lying areas

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

Bad times: Several low-lying areas in Puducherry were inundated during the last two days.

PUDUCHERRY: With Puducherry receiving steady rainfall in the last two days, a few low-lying areas were waterlogged. However, on Saturday evening, stagnating rainwater had started to recede.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, Puducherry received 45 mm of rainfall from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Saturday.

S. Rajamanickam, Commissioner of Oulgaret Municipality, said the municipality authorities had been addressing complaints as and when they were received.

Over the last two days, the authorities have been dealing with waterlogging problems in various parts within municipality limits. In Krishna Nagar where there was an acute problem, the road was cut by heavy machinery to enable the water to drain.

In Porayakulam and Boomiyanpet, oil engines were used to pump out water. Canal desilting in Periya Kalapet helped excess water to drain, the commissioner said.

In several parts, such as Paris Nagar and Thendral Nagar, canals in which stormwater was overflowing were cleared. “Canals are overflowing only because it is beyond the capacity of the canals to drain so much water. Otherwise, canals in most areas are functioning well, thanks to the recent desilting,” Mr. Rajamanickam said.

In parts of Natesan Nagar, however, the authorities have been unable to drain water, he added. Within Puducherry Municipality areas, there were no reports of waterlogging, except in Kombakkam. Four to five teams of officials have been formed to take stock of the rain situation in areas within the municipality limits.

There have been a number of cases of dengue in Puducherry. About 19 cases were reported last month alone, Director of Health Dilip Kumar Baliga said.

“There is an increasing incidence of dengue in Puducherry. Dengue is caused by the Aedes mosquito which breeds in fresh water. It also causes chikungunya. People should avoid rainwater accumulation in their houses. Water collection in buckets, bottles, tyres and coconut shells should be removed. In addition, water collection in indoor plants should be checked,” he said.

The incessant rain that lashed Cuddalore district throughout Saturday disrupted normal life. The Gedilam and the Then Penniyar received substantial flow. Drainage overflowed and low-lying areas were inundated. The trenches dug for the underground drainage pipeline developed gaping holes and caused inconvenience to commuters.

Vast stretches of paddy fields in Chidambaram district are filled with rainwater and if the stagnation continues for a couple of days it will affect the survival of the crops. With the catchment areas receiving good rainfall, the Veeranam tank level rose to 43.5 ft (maximum level 47.5 ft).

For the tank, 769 cusecs of water was being released — 100 cusecs through the zero point, 593 cusecs through the Vellar canal and 76 cusecs for Chennai. Collector P. Seetharaman inspected the Wellington tank and directed the officials to strengthen its banks.

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