A Century-Old Danger Looms Over Chennai's Busy Ponnappa Street
In the heart of Chennai's bustling Purasawalkam area, a silent threat endangers lives every single day. On Ponnappa Street, a 100-year-old building stands as a ticking time bomb, wedged tightly between commercial shops and residential homes. This aging structure risks the safety of hundreds of people who crowd the street daily, going about their business unaware of the peril above.
Deep Cracks and Crumbling Ceilings Signal Imminent Collapse
The building's condition is alarming. Its walls show deep, worrying cracks that seem to grow with each passing day. The ceiling crumbles in places, and several pillars have broken completely. Administrators from two private trusts that co-own the property have posted a clear warning notice for the public. They state plainly that the building is on the verge of collapse.
Anwar, who manages the building, explains the gravity of the situation. "We see about 500 people visiting the shops here every day," he says. "On weekends, that number nearly doubles. It's a disaster waiting to happen."
Vendors Refuse to Vacate, Demanding High Compensation
The trusts want to carry out urgent renovation or repair work to prevent a tragedy. However, they face a major obstacle. More than thirty vendors operating grocery and meat stalls inside the building refuse to move out. These shop owners have occupied their stalls for decades, some for over fifty years.
When asked to vacate, they demand compensation ranging from five lakh to ten lakh rupees. A butcher, who wished to remain unnamed, voiced the vendors' concerns. "We have been here for more than five decades," he said. "If we move out, we will lose our livelihood. Where can we find a new stall for the rent we pay now?"
Currently, these vendors pay remarkably low rents, between 500 and 1,000 rupees per month. This makes relocation financially daunting for them.
Authorities Step In with Eviction Notices and Safety Measures
Siraj, another property manager, confirms that the Chennai Corporation has instructed them to remove the occupants at the earliest. The civic body recognizes the urgent need to address this public safety hazard.
H R Koushik, from the Regional Developmental Council (Central), has taken note of the crisis. He promises swift action. "I will soon send eviction notices to the concerned people," Koushik states. "We must take immediate steps to improve safety in this area. We cannot risk lives any longer."
The standoff continues as the old building deteriorates further. Administrators warn, vendors resist, and authorities prepare to intervene. For now, the people of Purasawalkam walk under a shadow of potential collapse, hoping for a resolution before it's too late.
