Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Anna Nagar Residents Seek Diversion Channel to Prevent Otteri Flooding
Residents in Anna Nagar are worried that too much water is entering the Otteri nullah during monsoons.
They say industrial waste is also flowing into it from the Padi-Ambattur side.
The nullah may not be able to handle more water safely.
This could increase flooding in Anna Nagar and places farther downstream.
Residents want an extra 500-metre channel built between Padi flyover and Wheels India gate.
The channel would send some water directly toward the Cooum.
They welcomed the existing plan for a second phase of the diversion project but said it needs this missing section.
Minister Vijay Balaji said officials would examine adding it to the project plans.
The Federation of Anna Nagar Residents’ Associations sought a 500-metre diversion channel between Padi flyover and Wheels India gate.
Residents want the channel added to phase II of the project diverting water from the Otteri nullah to the Cooum.
They said excess water and industrial effluents from the Padi-Ambattur side are increasing pressure on the Otteri nullah.
Foara warned that further inflows could raise flood risks in Anna Nagar and downstream areas up to the Buckingham canal.
Minister Vijay Balaji said the proposal would be examined for inclusion in the phase II detailed project report.
- Who
- The Federation of Anna Nagar Residents’ Associations, Minister Vijay Balaji, Anna Nagar MLA V.K. Ramkumar and Greater Chennai Corporation officials.
- What
- Residents requested a 500-metre diversion channel to redirect excess water and industrial effluents away from the Otteri nullah.
- When
- The demand was made during an inspection of monsoon preparedness; no specific date was stated.
- Where
- Between Padi flyover and Wheels India gate in Chennai, with the affected drainage route extending toward the Cooum and Buckingham canal.
- Why
- To reduce pressure on the Otteri nullah and lower flood risks for Anna Nagar and downstream communities.
- Proposed channel length
- 500 metres
- Proposed location
- Between Padi flyover and Wheels India gate
- Project phase
- Phase II of the diversion channel project
- Current drainage concern
- Increasing excess water and industrial effluents entering the Otteri nullah
- Proposed outlet
- The Cooum
- Potentially affected areas
- Anna Nagar and downstream areas up to the Buckingham canal
- Government response
- The proposal will be examined for inclusion in the phase II detailed project report