Chennai: More than half a dozen industrial estates located in Greater Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu are now an eyesore without maintenance, thanks to the tug of war between Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (Tansidco) and local civic bodies in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. For instance, Guindy estate, one of the premier industrial hubs, developed by the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is in a pathetic state crying for attention.
“Two major natural disasters – 2015 Chennai floods and the recent cyclone Vardah - have made matters worse and the entrepreneurs of manufacturing units are now looking forward for better civic administration,” said civic activist R. Govindaraj.
“The Guindy estate is in a state of neglect and there is no removal of garbage on a daily basis. Seven years back, corporation council passed resolutions seeking jurisdiction in estate areas to remove waste on a daily basis, but the Sidco authorities for some reason thwarted the attempt of corporation”, said Saidapet legislator and former Mayor M. Subramanian.
“In my understanding, it will be better to have a dedicated civic team to handle the maintenance of estate areas and it is evident that all the estate areas in Chennai and Tiruvallur are full of filth with clogged drains, as Sidco lacks expertise to handle civic matters”, the legislator alleged.
“Corporation or any local body can step in for regular civic maintenance, only if Sidco gives the jurisdiction or its consent, but they have been denied permission”, quipped an informed corporation engineer exposing the lethargic attitude of Sidco authorities
When contacted, state rural industries minister P. Benjamin said that he was aware of the situation. “Already, a review meeting was held with department officials and secretary. We will again hold discussions with the stakeholders to improve the maintenance of all industrial estate areas in TN,” the minister said exuding confidence.
Responding to the issue, corporation commissioner D. Karthickeyan said that the corporation has volunteered in all estate areas and has cleared the uprooted trees knocked down by Vardah. But in case of waste management, the jurisdiction is with the Sidco. “In fact, our zonal officers have been directed to coordinate with the Sidco engineers to assist them, if required.”
