He describes with technical details about various waterways that lead to the sea, and those important lakes for catchment and existing canals that connect them. We all know what happened as well as the core issues about how rain dump was blocked. As a responsible citizen, think about this water system and keep it clean, not-encroached, and dump waste into it [He didn't mention industrial waste though]. GoTN cares a hoot for solving, but it is you Chennai-wasis who are affected and not GoTN. So, act on preserving the water system.
Just imagine the state of Chennai, consuming all these rain water dumps without the existing waterways!
I would guess Chennai would be 20' down!
Chennai floods
Re: Chennai floods
UB.Old Madras had the Brits living in the Fort and surroundings,nice garden areas with tree-lined avenues. Madras once used to be called the garden city.Trams plied their way to the harbour and Beach rly station.The "natives" lived in "Black Town",later called "George Town".This is the heart of old Madras ,adjoining the harbour,the High Court complex,parry's Corner,GPO,Burma Bazaar and the old business district.Quaint old street names like Armenian St.,Mint st.,etc. It is this most crowded,congested area of old Madras which has survived the floods splendidly. Historic central madras has had little damage,but the floodplain construction ,modern "Chennai",is of the last decade,thanks to ravenous greedy builders,politicos and babus.who disregarded topography and failed to build the infrastructure to carry storm water safely away to the sea from these areas.
Chennai as it is now,is one mighty mess. Since flooding and most of teh city under water going to be and annual feature of the metro from now on,with making the city water and flood proof an almost impossible task to overcome,why can't the planners take a new approach and imagine that the city is now S.India's equivalent of Venice! instead of the polluting city buses,Chennai could have waterbuses-vaporettos instead,gondoliers too! This would be a great tourist attraction. Imagine turbaned Tamil gondoliers in their colourful lungis belting out the yesteryear hits of MGR movies.! There was a great pic doing the rounds of tycoon AC Muthiah sitting in a boat accompanied by his entourage. People could emulate him.This could trigger off a whole new industry,boats,instead of cars. Like Bangkok,or Dal lake,floating bazaars and vendors would sail past houses and condos,selling their wares. Madras airport could easily operate seaplanes when flooded. What a great opportunity presents itself.
Chennai as it is now,is one mighty mess. Since flooding and most of teh city under water going to be and annual feature of the metro from now on,with making the city water and flood proof an almost impossible task to overcome,why can't the planners take a new approach and imagine that the city is now S.India's equivalent of Venice! instead of the polluting city buses,Chennai could have waterbuses-vaporettos instead,gondoliers too! This would be a great tourist attraction. Imagine turbaned Tamil gondoliers in their colourful lungis belting out the yesteryear hits of MGR movies.! There was a great pic doing the rounds of tycoon AC Muthiah sitting in a boat accompanied by his entourage. People could emulate him.This could trigger off a whole new industry,boats,instead of cars. Like Bangkok,or Dal lake,floating bazaars and vendors would sail past houses and condos,selling their wares. Madras airport could easily operate seaplanes when flooded. What a great opportunity presents itself.
Re: Chennai floods
Old Madras survived because Cooum was not flooded not because of the British planning. In fact circa 1902 or there abouts the flood waters have touched then Central Station and flooded all the way to half of what we call now as Mount road.
I think we need to start thinking on a large scale operation in terms of New Orleans, Kuala Lumpur or Rotterdam /Amsterdam types. Unlike those cities, I still do think Chennai has a solid base in terms rivers and canals, as long as we don't destroy them any further.
I think we need to start thinking on a large scale operation in terms of New Orleans, Kuala Lumpur or Rotterdam /Amsterdam types. Unlike those cities, I still do think Chennai has a solid base in terms rivers and canals, as long as we don't destroy them any further.
Re: Chennai floods
Frontline's latest issue s a v.good lengthy coverage of the floods,reasons for it,etc. It should be available on its mag website.