A devastating flood had submerged much of Chennai in December last year.
The parliamentary standing committee that examined torrential rains in Chennai last December which caused massive flooding and loss of property, has found that "encroachment of lakes and river beds and faulty town planning are major causes for the havoc."
It committee observed "the drainage system got choked in Chennai and the city was flooded badly in the aftermath of the torrential rain".
The 31 member MPs' committee headed by P Bhattacharya submitted its report to the Rajya Sabha on August 12.
The report wants the state government to check real estate mafia in illegal construction and usurping water bodies. It recommends priority for regular maintenance of the drainage system.
It also underscores the need for pre-disaster preparedness and has asked the centre to bolster its support.
The committee's findings and recommendations in a way challenge the Tamil Nadu government's claim after the floods that put the blame on very heavy rains.
The December floods displaced around 17 lakh people in Chennai and lifetime savings of people were lost as water entered homes.