Chennai Kitchen for Sanitary Workers Faces Drainage Crisis Amid Public Outcry
In Chennai's Uthandi area, a kitchen constructed for sanitary workers on a government school playground is grappling with severe drainage issues just three months after its inauguration. Residents report that food waste and kitchen effluent are spilling onto the road, emitting a foul stench that has become a persistent nuisance in the community.
Background and Opposition to the Kitchen
The kitchen commenced operations in November 2025, despite facing strong public opposition from the outset. It is housed in a rehabilitation building located within a school playground that was originally built by the local panchayat in the 1990s for area residents. Previously, the vacant rooms in this structure were utilized by the school administration for practical classes. The Greater Chennai Corporation's (GCC) decision to convert the facility into a kitchen sparked fierce resistance, as additional constructions, including a parking area, were erected on the ground, effectively depriving students of their playground space.
Resident Complaints and On-Site Observations
Local residents have voiced ongoing frustrations with the drainage problems. T Kannan, a resident of the second main road, stated, "The issue recurs every now and then. The problem is also persistent in the evenings when the second round of cooking takes place. It's been happening ever since the cooking began." During a site visit, food stains were visible on the road, and holes had been deliberately made in the compound walls to allow kitchen waste overflowing from drains or sumps to pass through. A worker at the centre explained, "We have complained to our supervisor. The sump which collects the kitchen waste overflows every now and then. We cook for more than 10,000 conservancy workers employed in the southern region here every day."
Inadequate Infrastructure and Official Response
Residents argue that authorities have failed to enhance drainage facilities, even though cooking operations are conducted on a low scale. Chandrasekar Dharman, president of SOLVE, a residents' welfare association in the area, emphasized, "No extra drainage tank was set up. The existing facility is only adequate to manage the school's load." In response, zonal officer Thirunavukarasu acknowledged the leakage issues but claimed they were past occurrences. He added, "The cooking happens only on low-scale. We will go and inspect the area and resolve the issue at the earliest."
This situation highlights broader concerns about urban planning and public health in Chennai, as the kitchen's operations continue to impact daily life for local residents while serving a critical workforce.
