Chennai: Villagers from over 15 villages who have been repeatedly demanding the civic officials in Urapakkam in Kancheepuram district take up road works for the last 19 years, took out a different route to reach President of India. In a novel protest, villagers decided to send 1,000 e-posts to the President in a phased manner and 100 persons sent e-posts on Wednesday morning.
According to residents, the 14-km stretch between Urapakkam and Nalambakkam remained patchy, causing inconvenience to motorists.
The state transport department, which operated one TNSTC and small bus each on the stretch, stopped those buses. Even the MTC, which operated two buses, had withdrawn the service, citing poor road condition.
“It has been 19 long years. We have staged all kind of protests to draw the attention of officials, but in vain. So, we decided to take up the issue to the President of India through e-post,” said a villager, adding that they have decided to send 1,000 such e-posts.
The Tambaram head post office on Wednesday morning witnessed a crowd, as villagers gathered.
“Since we would send our e-posts in a phased manner, a total of 100 persons sent it today (Wednesday). Similarly, next 100 posts would be sent in the next few days,” said another villager.
“It is not our willful attempt. All we want is basic amenities. Since there are no buses on the stretch, we are forced to travel in autos and even mini vans,” said a resident of Kumili, one of the villages.
It is learnt that since some places are owned by forest department, there are some hitches in laying roads.
It may be recalled that more number of villagers a few months ago staged a novel protest, in which they rolled down on the bumpy roads.
However, officials turned a blind eye to their plea.
