A Greater Chennai Corporation waste segregation unit on Sridevikuppam Main Road in Valasaravakkam has been steadily encroaching upon road space, causing inconvenience for motorists and residents alike. Branching off from Arcot Road, this area hosts small-scale industries, independent homes, gated communities, and a Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) plot. Waste segregation is carried out on the roadside, and a portion of the corner has been cordoned off with kerbs to accommodate sanitation workers. Battery-operated vehicles are lined up at one end of the road, and garbage trucks occasionally visit. This has significantly reduced the road's width.
Construction Blocking Public Toilet Access
Two buildings are under construction in the vicinity, one of which blocks access to a free-to-use public toilet. Gnanasekaran, an employee at a local private gear factory, noted that the road was wider just two months ago. Residents and businesses in gated communities have raised concerns about accident risks. Food and liquid waste often leak onto the road, leaving the tar damp. Workers cover these spills with sand, causing two-wheelers to skid, according to resident R Swami. Additionally, the facility's presence is hindering development of the nearby TNHB land, prompting calls for relocation.
Corporation's Relocation Plans
A corporation engineer stated that plans were made to relocate the facility to free up the carriageway. It was decided that talks would continue after the elections. Currently, waste collected from two zonal divisions is segregated here, and officials are searching for an alternative location. However, Assistant Executive Engineer Saravanan argued that the relocation plan is unlikely to work and that the facility is not causing harm. He claimed that operations are only conducted from the roadside and that new construction, including a rest house for conservancy workers, is located at one end of the road and does not reduce the carriageway. He asserted that the land belongs to the corporation and can be used as deemed fit. Zonal officer Purushothaman was unavailable for comment.
