Work to revamp Koyambedu market’s drainage system yet to be completed

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is yet to complete the work pertaining to the revamp of the stormwater drainage system at Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex.

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is yet to complete the work pertaining to the revamp of the stormwater drainage system at Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex.

The drains in use now were installed in 1996 when the market began its operations. The ongoing renovation, which commenced in November last year, was expected to be completed in two months. But the work would go on till March this year, said a CMDA official.

The project, worth an estimated ₹17 crore, was announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2024. The Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex (KWMC) spans 295 acres with 3,728 shops allocated to traders.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), meanwhile, has flagged the issue of release of untreated wastewater from the market into the Cooum river during a recent inspection. A GCC official confirmed that the wastewater discharge presents a pollution concern.

Sources in the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB) said this fell under the purview of the CMDA. A CMDA official said the stormwater drains connected to the Cooum river through an existing network had been clogged. While this was not deemed an acute concern, no mechanisms were in place to screen the waste discarded by the vendors.

It may be mentioned that there is a waste collection mechanism in the market, set up by the CMDA. A tender was finalised, and the collection began over three months ago.

“This issue aggravates during heavy rains when water seeps out from the drains, which is immediately cleared by the private contractor. An awareness programme to educate vendors on proper waste disposal practices has been planned,” the official said, adding that the revamp of the drains was announced after water stagnation was observed on surrounding roads.