This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.
A bridge on the Adyar River is seen damaged in Chennai, India, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. Although floodwaters have begun to recede, vast swaths of Chennai and neighboring districts were still under 2 1/2 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) of water, with tens of thousands of people in state-run relief camps. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K)
CHENNAI -- Dubbing the devastation due to floods in Chennai as the 'rarest of the rare' natural calamity, the Tamil Nadu Government on Sunday dismissed reports that the flood in Adyar river was the result of improper management of water release from Chembarambakkam tank.
According to the statement by Tamil Nadu Government's Chief Secretary, sufficient warnings were given to people residing in the vicinity of the river before water from Chembarambakkam tank was released.
"The water level in the Tank on 1.11.2015 was 5.08 ft. with a storage of 228 Mcft. The rainfall in November 2015 in Chennai was 1018 mm, which is the highest rainfall in November since 1918. All the tanks in the Adyar catchment reached full capacity and the surplus water flowed into the Adyar River," the statement said.
"On account of heavy rains in the month of November, Chembarambakkam tank had copious inflows of water in the middle of November. 18,000 cusecs was discharged into the Adyar river on 17.11.2015 keeping the level of the tank at 22.3 ft. for further inflow during the monsoon period as per the Rules for Flood Regulation of the Compendium of Rules of Regulation," it added.
The statement further said that when rains lashed Chennai in December, the engineers in charge of the tank closely monitored the inflows and the rainfall in the upstream catchment area and accordingly regulated the discharge from the Tank for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the Tank.
In Chennai, much of the fury was unleashed by the Adyar river.
Meanwhile, schools and colleges which were closed for almost a month in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuarm and Cuddalore will be reopened tomorrow.
Currently, 23,000 cusecs of water is flowing into Sri Vaikuntam Dam and only if the inflow increases to 50,000 cusecs will there be flooding of the Thamaraparani river.
In Thootthukudi, three NDRF teams and army teams are still deployed to face any emergency situation that arises.
An Indian woman carries a vessel of water at a slum dwelling as it rains in Chennai, India, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. Heavy rains lashed Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu state Friday, throwing life out of gear and disrupting train and flight schedules even as dozens were killed in rain related incidents, according to news reports. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more rains over the weekend. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX India Rain Deaths(02 of06)
Open Image Modal
An Indian couple walks on a dry stretch of land on the waterlogged Marina Beach after heavy rainfall in Chennai, India, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. Heavy rains lashed Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu state Friday, throwing life out of gear and disrupting train and flight schedules even as dozens were killed in rain related incidents, according to news reports. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more rains over the weekend. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
India Weather(03 of06)
Open Image Modal
The Marina beach on the Bay of Bengal coast is partly covered with rainwater after heavy rains in Chennai, India, Sunday, Nov.15, 2015. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of very heavy showers in the city in the next 24 hours.. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
India Weather(04 of06)
Open Image Modal
Indian commuters carry their motorbikes on a submerged cart as they wade through a waterlogged subway in Chennai, India, Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Heavy rains continue to lash several parts of the city after the India Meteorological Department alerted a cyclone warning on the Bay of Bengal coast likely to make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry on Monday evening, according to local reports. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K.) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
India Weather(05 of06)
Open Image Modal
Indians help a man carry his two-wheeler on a cycle cart as they wade through a waterlogged subway in Chennai, India, Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Heavy rains continue to lash several parts of the city after the India Meteorological Department alerted a cyclone warning on the Bay of Bengal coast likely to make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry on Monday evening, according to local reports. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K.) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX India Weather(06 of06)
Open Image Modal
An Indian child swims through a waterlogged subway during heavy rains in Chennai, India, Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Heavy rains continue to lash several parts of the city after the India Meteorological Department alerted a cyclone warning on the Bay of Bengal coast likely to make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry on Monday evening, according to local reports. (AP Photo/Arun Sankar K.) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.