MGR Canal in Ramasamay Salai, Sector 1, in K.K. Nagar, when it was last desilted by the Chennai Corporation in November 2024.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will remove encroachments in the M.G.R. Canal in the Kodambakkam Zone soon.

The two-km long canal starts at Ramaswamy Salai in K. K. Nagar — where it is five metre wide, flows to M.G.R. Nagar and Ashok Naga, and into the Adyar River in Jafferkhanpet — where it becomes eight metre wide.

In a recent survey, the civic body has identified that nearly 200 structures are abutting the canal in the entire stretch, said the zone-level officials. On March 17, notices to owners of 47 properties in K.K Nagar were issued. If these 47 are demolished, 12,900 square feet of area could be recovered by the GCC, the official said.

These areas are low-lying and the surroundings are prone to flooding annually as the bunds of the canal bunds have decreased due to several structures and illegal sewage outlet into storm-water drains add to woes, sources in the GCC said.

After the demolition is done, bunds will be widened and strengthened, retaining wall along the entire stretch is planned, mesh fence to prevent public from disposing waste into the waterway and trash bins in four-five spots have been planned along the canal. These will be done at an estimated ₹14.5 crore, the official added.

The last eviction drive was in 2021 where nearly 20 properties were removed along this waterway for bund strengthening, according to zonal officials. This move is expected to strengthen bunds and ease desilting process as encroachments have narrowed the passage where heavy vehicles could get down for cleaning works, said an engineer in the zone. The canal was last desilted in November 2024, according to the engineer.

The notices sent to 47 house owners have to to show the initial building plans, plot allotment copy and proof for permit to construct the structures close to the canal. If they fail to do so within 17 days of receiving the notice, it will lead to demolition of the illegal portions, officials added.