The residents of Thirumudivakkam village panchayat, situated just a few kilometres from the Tambaram corporation limits in Kancheepuram district, are grappling with a severe civic breakdown. Their daily lives are marred by dangerously damaged roads, mountains of illegally dumped waste, foul-smelling pathways, and an increasingly unsafe commute.
A Stretch Transformed Into An Illegal Dumpyard
A recent visit to the Thirumudivakkam Pillaiyar Koil Road, which connects to the main Pallavaram–Pazhanthandalam road, laid bare the extent of the problem. The entire stretch has been turned into an unofficial dumping ground, with heaps of mixed garbage and meat waste piled high on both sides. The overwhelming stench makes it nearly impossible for pedestrians to use the area.
Locals report that the situation has deteriorated over several years. Compounding the issue is the illegal discharge of raw sewage by private tankers into a canal that cuts across the road. This canal is part of the network that carries excess water from the Chembarambakkam lake through Kundrathur, Thirumudivakkam, and Thiruneermalai. The continuous flow of untreated waste contaminates the water, posing serious health and environmental hazards to the community.
Daily Commute Turns Hazardous for Hundreds
The crumbling infrastructure directly impacts hundreds of people daily. B Vinayagam, the centre manager of the Dhamma Setu Vipassana Meditation Centre, highlighted that between 100 to 150 visitors come to the centre every day. "Mounds of garbage and meat waste are dumped along the canal. This not only blocks the flow of water but also spreads a foul smell across the entire area," he stated.
Another resident, M Krishnan, pointed out that the Pillaiyar Koil road links to Kishkintha Road, an area with no bus service. He explained, "The road is severely damaged, riddled with potholes and broken patches for several years. More than 500 residents, along with schoolchildren and motorists, depend on this stretch for their daily commute." The road's condition becomes particularly treacherous during the monsoon season, often rendering it unusable.
Panchayat Responds with Promises of Action
When confronted with these persistent issues, S Mani, the president of the Thirumudivakkam village panchayat, acknowledged the challenges. He alleged that much of the garbage is dumped during night hours, primarily by outsiders. "We have complained to the police about this illegal activity," Mani said.
Regarding the deplorable state of the roads, the panchayat president offered a glimmer of hope. He confirmed that a proposal to re-lay the damaged road has been sent for the district collector's approval. "The work will be taken up soon," he assured the beleaguered residents, who continue to wait for lasting solutions to the chronic civic neglect plaguing their village.
