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Last week, Chennai residents took to social media to complain about the deteriorating condition of the state capital's main and internal roads, which had been damaged by the recent heavy rains. Videos and photos of pothole-ridden roads, traffic jams and waterlogged stretches have sparked public outrage and renewed demands for immediate civic intervention.

Responding to the criticism, Mayor R. Priya announced that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) had identified potholes at around 2,000 locations across the city. In a statement on Sunday, she directly blamed the incessant rains for the worsening of the situation and assured that immediate steps were being taken to repair the damaged areas.

"Due to heavy rainfall, potholes have appeared on several city roads. Funds have been allocated to fill them immediately, and ward-wise repair work is already underway. These potholes will be filled on the same day they are identified," the Mayor said.

Motor pumps have been installed in many flood-prone areas to quickly drain out accumulated rainwater and prevent further damage to roads, she added.

It may be recalled that Mayor Priya, along with HRD and CE Minister and CMDA Chairman P.K. Sekharbabu, inspected the dredging work in Buckingham Canal in Royapuram Zone on Saturday.

The minister directed the officials to ensure the free flow of rainwater and the immediate removal of waste from the canal to prevent flooding.

"This area lies adjacent to the Buckingham Canal, where the Otteri Nalla joins. Water from Ambattur, Kolathur, and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar flows into this canal. Dredging work is progressing well, and with the weather department predicting more rain, these measures are essential to prevent inundation," the Mayor said.

Civic officials said door-to-door inspections were also carried out in areas like Kalyanapuram and Kalyanapuram Pallam, where around 1,000 families were consulted to identify local issues and grievances.

A senior GCC official said that patchwork work has been completed at 168 locations and all complaints are being monitored and resolved.

Meanwhile, Chennai Traffic Police have identified 115 critical pothole spots -- including 38 on highways, 71 on bus route roads, and 12 on interior roads -- which are now being prioritised for repair to ease traffic movement and ensure road safety.

With IANS Inputs