Greater Chennai Corporation Demolishes Three Old Temples Built Illegally On Water Flow Path Of Mambalam Canal
CHENNAI: After nearly five decades of obstruction, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) took decisive action on Friday to demolish two temples that were illegally constructed on the water flow path of the Mambalam canal. These structures significantly affected the free movement of stormwater, particularly during heavy rains and monsoon seasons, contributing to severe flooding in the surrounding residential areas.
The two temples—Renuka Parameswari Amman Temple and Vinayagar Temple—had been standing on the canal’s pathway for the past 48 years, narrowing the width of the waterbody and impeding the natural drainage system. The Mambalam canal runs through key locations such as Thyagaraya Road and VK Housing Colony in the Teynampet zone (zone 9) of the city. Over the years, the presence of these structures on the canal path had resulted in water overflowing onto adjacent streets and localities, worsening the flooding situation during seasonal rains.
During every monsoon season, this obstruction led to frequent and severe flooding in several residential neighborhoods. Areas such as VK Housing Colony, Giriyappa Street, Nakkeeran Colony, MK Radhakrishnan Nagar, SS Puram, and Bhadrakari, along with approximately 20 other localities, were directly affected whenever heavy rainfall occurred. The constriction of the waterway prevented the efficient drainage of rainwater, leading to water stagnation and creating numerous hardships for residents, including waterlogging, traffic congestion, and damage to infrastructure and properties.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this long-standing issue, the Greater Chennai Corporation, in coordination with law enforcement authorities, undertook an extensive operation to remove the illegal structures from the canal. Civic body officials planned the eviction meticulously to ensure minimal disruption while prioritizing the city’s flood mitigation efforts.
On the day of the operation, GCC officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at the site to carry out the demolition process. The temple authorities, understanding the necessity of the removal, fully cooperated with the officials. They voluntarily took the initiative to remove the deities—Amman and Vinayagar—from the temples before the demolition began. This cooperation helped prevent potential disputes and ensured that the eviction proceeded smoothly.
Apart from these two temples, the civic body also identified and cleared several other unauthorized constructions and encroachments that had been contributing to the obstruction of the canal’s flow. The clearing of these illegal structures marks a significant step toward improving the drainage system in the area and preventing further flooding issues in the future.
Following the successful eviction and demolition of the structures, the Greater Chennai Corporation undertook immediate measures to clean the canal thoroughly. Officials ensured that all debris from the demolished structures was removed efficiently, thereby restoring the canal’s original water-carrying capacity. The authorities also reinforced the banks of the canal to prevent erosion and further encroachments.
To ensure the long-term effectiveness of these efforts, the civic body has announced plans to construct a sturdy compound wall along the canal’s banks. Additionally, a protective fence will be installed to deter the dumping of garbage and waste into the canal. These measures are aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the waterway and preventing any future obstructions that could hinder water flow.
To avoid a recurrence of similar encroachments in the future, the Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to implement regular monitoring mechanisms. A dedicated monitoring team, along with zonal-level officials, will conduct routine inspections of the locality to ensure that no new unauthorized structures are erected along the canal’s course. These inspections will help maintain the integrity of the waterway and uphold the efforts made to restore the drainage system.
By taking such proactive steps, the civic administration aims to address long-standing flood-related issues that have plagued the city for decades. The removal of these illegal structures is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of the stormwater drainage system, ensuring that the Mambalam canal functions as an effective water channel during the monsoon season. This will ultimately benefit thousands of residents by reducing waterlogging, safeguarding properties, and improving overall living conditions in the affected areas.
With these initiatives in place, the Greater Chennai Corporation has taken a crucial step toward enhancing urban planning, preserving water channels, and preventing future urban flooding. The commitment to continuous monitoring and strict enforcement of encroachment regulations will help maintain Chennai’s infrastructure, contributing to a safer and more resilient city in the years to come.
