Rain affected over 500 small and medium units

Nearly 350 units suffered plant and equipment damage; production loss estimated at ₹50 crore a day at Ambattur estate

Over 500 micro, small and medium enterprises across Tamil Nadu suffered plant and equipment damage and huge production losses in the rain and floods last week. Many industrial estates are yet to ascertain the damage.

According to estimates, nearly 350 units suffered plant and equipment damage. Production loss of ₹50 crore per day is estimated at the Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai.

A.N. Gireeshan, president, Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, said the main issue was the floodwater from the Avadi and Ambattur lakes upstream flowing into the estate. The water would have reached the Korattur lake, but its entry has been blocked for over four years by the PWD on the orders of the National Green Tribunal. The State and Union Governments should help to sort out the issues. “The PWD should construct a cut-and-cover canal right from the exit point of the Ambattur lake through the northern side of the estate, parallel to the rail line, to ensure that the floodwater drains into the Korattur lake. The Railway Ministry should build an underpass from the southern side of the rail track to the northern side.”