Act on Long-Pending Civic Issues Before Monsoon, Adyar Residents Tell Minister

CHENNAI: The residents in some parts of the Adyar zone have requested the authorities to address a series of long-pending civic problems including recurring sewage overflow, traffic congestion, parking and street-vending issues before heavy rains aggravate the situation during the Northeast Monsoon.

The grievances were raised during Information Technology Minister R. Kumar’s inspection of monsoon preparedness works in wards 179 and 180 on Wednesday. Residents and traders in Besant Nagar, Thideer Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur flagged issues which are continuing despite repeated complaints to the officials.

In Lakshmipuram, residents complained of sewage overflowing on Ambedkar Street almost every day. They said Corporation workers frequently attend to the problem and temporarily clear the mainline, but sewage overflows again later in the day.

They said the recurring overflow was making it difficult for people to walk on the street and was affecting local businesses. They also expressed concern over mosquito breeding and the possible spread of diseases during the monsoon, and sought a permanent solution rather than repeated temporary clearances.

Thirunal, a resident of Lakshmipuram, said the sewage overflow made it difficult for pedestrians and affected businesses in the area. “We run a shop here, but customers are reluctant to step over the sewage to enter. Corporation workers come every day, make some patch work and leave, but the problem persists. The recurring overflow has also led to a heavy mosquito infestation, raising concerns over spread of dengue,” he said.

Saravanan, another resident, said they were facing the same problem in Kaveri Street. Kaveri Street is one of the wide streets in Kalakshetra Colony, but outsiders are parking their cars here, creating hurdles for sweepers, he said.

A resident of Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, also complained of sewage overflowing from a men's hostel opposite Kasturi RRK Enclave since October 6. The overflow near Sekar Store and an ice cream outlet was posing a health hazard.

Residents also raised the issue of street vendors, which despite repeated complaints is continuing without any effective action.

Rajeswari, a resident of Kalakshetra Colony, said residents were facing several long-pending civic issues, including encroachment of pavements by vendors, rampant roadside parking and traffic congestion. “On Second Avenue, pavements on both sides have been occupied by vendors who use gas cylinders, large vessels, tables and stools, leaving little space for pedestrians. The residential area around Arupadai Temple too has several vendors,” she said.

“Vehicles are parked on both sides of almost every road in Besant Nagar, making it difficult to drive. The Corporation could consider levying parking charges based on the size of vehicles to discourage indiscriminate parking. The narrow street near Pamban Swamy Temple is particularly congested because of parking, and making it one-way could help ease the traffic,” she said.

She also flagged smoking in public places as a nuisance, particularly near tea kiosks on Second Avenue. “Above all, our beach is in a total mess and has been overrun by vendors. There needs to be proper regulation so that residents can enjoy the beach and its surroundings,” she added.

The minister inspected ongoing stormwater drain works on Radhakrishnan Salai, Kalakshetra Road and Malaviya Avenue. Kumar directed officials to complete the works before the monsoon and reviewed precautionary measures at the pumping station on Thiruvalluvar Salai.

He also visited the Amma Unavagam at Cholapuram to inspect food quality and interacted with customers, besides checking the availability of essential commodities at a fair price shop in Marundeeswarar Nagar.

Later, Kumar met residents of Marudheeswarar Nagar, Lakshmipuram and Bharathidasan Street over sewage and patta-related grievances and directed officials to take immediate action.

Regional Deputy Commissioner (south) Aftab Rasool, zonal officer N. Dakshinamurthy and the Velachery tahsildar accompanied the minister.