Residents of Velachery, a locality in Chennai, are increasingly frustrated with the recurring flooding that plagues their community every monsoon season. With the upcoming elections, they are vocalizing their concerns regarding the inadequate drainage infrastructure and ongoing encroachments that contribute to severe waterlogging. M Balakrishnan, secretary of the Tansi Nagar Residents Welfare Association, highlighted that despite numerous petitions to the government, effective solutions have not been implemented. The northeast monsoon brings excess water from Velachery Lake, exacerbated by obstructions along waterways, affecting over 10,000 families across more than ten neighborhoods. Residents are particularly disheartened by the lack of action following a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order aimed at clearing encroachments and widening the waterbody to increase its capacity by 20%. As the election date approaches, locals express disappointment that political candidates have not made any commitments to resolve these critical issues.