Chennai Floods: Shocking! 'Tamil Nadu govt ignored repeated warnings by scientists'

Chennai, Dec 8: Chennai and many other parts across Tamil Nadu were submerged in water when an incessant rains followed by a massive flood hit the state.

Now, it has been revealed that the state government could have averted the grave situation if it would have paid heed to repeated warnings by scientists.

An overflowing Chembarambakkam was one of the main reasons which made Chennai float. It has been reported that scientists of the Ground and Surface Water Research and Data Centre had warned the then DMK-ruled government of the state about a possible disaster.

Ground and Surface Water Research and Data Centre is a research wing of the state Water Resource Organisation.

According to media reports, scientists in 2009 had cautioned the government that Chennai would not be able to withstand 10 cm rainfall plus discharge of surplus water from Chembarambakkam lake on the same day.

The scientists reportedly had suggested construction of a flood carrier from Chennai river basin to Palar river basin to avoid disasters like the one that has now devastated Chennai.

Deccan Chronicle quoted a retired WRO scientist as saying, "We found out that most of the water spread area and flood line along Adyar River was encroached."

"We advised our bosses not to permit any construction within the flood line. We suggested diversion of surplus water from Chembarambakkam reservoir to Palar River. All that the government had to do was construct a flood carrier for around 10 km from the lake to Wallajah," he added.

OneIndia News