NEED A HOLISTIC PLAN, NOT KNEE-JERK REACTION

Every year Chennai's weather predictions of impending rains and cyclones inundate print, visual, and social media with news of potential floods. I live on the banks of the Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam Canal in Choolaimedu since 1973.

- SUDHA RAMALINGAM

Every year Chennai's weather predictions of impending rains and cyclones inundate print, visual, and social media with news of potential floods. I live on the banks of the Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam Canal in Choolaimedu since 1973. My beautiful two-storey house, which was built three feet above street level, had to be demolished and reconstructed due to constant floods, as the street was re-laid several times without milling, turning the house into a catchment area even with little showers. The banks of the canal have been encroached upon. The canal is used as a dumping ground by local residents and outsiders. Thus, water does not flow freely, especially during rains.