Madurai unveils ₹3,372 crore stormwater plan, opens draft for public feedback

Madurai: The Madurai Corporation has hit the first milestone in its ambitious plan to revamp the city's stormwater drainage system and build climate-resilient infrastructure, with a draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) now open for public feedback.

Unveiled during a consultation meeting on Wednesday, the ₹3,372 crore plan — prepared by a consultant — is to be executed in three phases. The first phase earmarks ₹428 crore to tackle 181 flood-prone spots by laying 167 km of stormwater drains. High-priority zones near the Meenakshi Amman Temple, South Masi Streets, and Periyar Bus Stand will receive ₹22.56 crore, given their vulnerability to flooding and dense foot traffic.

However, the proposal to concrete the base of drainage channels drew criticism during the meeting. "The draft DPR again recommends concreting, which will block groundwater recharge," said S S Bose of the Meenakshi Nagar Residents' Association. He called for retaining sand beds to allow natural percolation. Others urged the corporation to desilt and deepen city tanks to boost flood mitigation and water storage.

Climate expert M Manikandan of the Professional Engineers Association noted that the drainage model must account for cloudburst scenarios, not just historical patterns. Corporation commissioner Chitra Vijayan responded that 50 years of rainfall data, including flow speed and intensity, had been used in the modelling.

Concerns were also raised about discharging untreated stormwater into the Vaigai. M Rajan of Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam said that stormwater drains must not carry sewage into the river, already polluted in parts. In response, the consultant said that waste traps and mesh filters would be installed to prevent solid waste from entering the watercourse.

The DPR divides Madurai into seven catchment areas and proposes measures like recharge wells, sponge parks, and permeable pavements at bus stands to enhance absorption and reduce heat. Along with new drains, the plan includes strengthening and desilting tanks and channels.

Some councillors flagged errors in zone classifications and requested corrections before the final submission. Corporation officials said all feedback would be considered, and the final DPR would be sent to the state government within two months.

The meeting was attended by mayor Indrani Ponvasanth, deputy mayor T Nagarajan, and senior corporation officials.