Chennai Constituencies Rally for Infrastructure Solutions as Elections Approach
With just two weeks remaining until the assembly elections, residents welfare associations (RWAs) in the Pallavaram and Tambaram constituencies of Chennai have taken a proactive stance by submitting a comprehensive charter of demands to candidates from various political parties. The move underscores growing frustration among locals over long-pending civic issues that have accumulated over the years within these constituency limits.
Water Scarcity and Infrastructure Deficits Highlighted
Despite Tambaram being declared a corporation five years ago, numerous localities, including Selaiyur, Camp Road, Mudichur, Irumbuliyur, Anakaputhur, and Thiruneermalai, continue to rely heavily on water lorries for their daily needs. M Sreedhar, president of the Federation of Civic and Welfare Association in Tambaram, emphasized the stark disparity in water supply infrastructure.
"Under Tambaram corporation, only Chromepet and Pallavaram zones have piped water supply systems; even within these areas, many residential zones lack proper connections," Sreedhar stated. "Currently, 87 million litres per day (MLD) of water is supplied to residents, while the actual demand stands at 130 MLD, highlighting a critical shortfall."
Drainage and Road Woes Add to Civic Challenges
The charter of demands also addresses severe drainage problems, with untreated wastewater from homes and commercial establishments causing stormwater drains to function as sewage carriers. Sreedhar added that many bus stops lack essential shelters and surveillance cameras, while roads frequently deteriorate due to the use of substandard bitumen, exacerbating commuting difficulties for residents.
Flooding and Encroachment Issues Demand Attention
V Santhanam, president of the People Awareness Association in Chromepet, called for permanent solutions to flooding along GST Road. "Surplus water from Chembarambakkam should be diverted to nearby lakes instead of being discharged into the sea," he urged. Santhanam also stressed the need to remove encroachments on roads and pavements and advocated for regular meetings between MLAs and residents after assembly sessions to ensure ongoing dialogue.
Panchayat Areas and Lake Restoration Concerns
Vignesh, a resident of Mappedu, pointed out that Agaramthen panchayat has not yet been merged with Tambaram Corporation, leading to gaps in services. "We urgently require a solid waste management system and drinking water connections in panchayat areas," he said. "The seasonal flooding of Agaramthen lake during monsoons must be addressed, and we have raised these issues with all contesting candidates."
Sunil Jayaram of the NGO Chitlapakkam Rising highlighted the ongoing problem of sewage inflow into lakes via stormwater drains. "There are at least 35 lakes within Tambaram limits, many of which are adversely affected," he explained. "Before restoring these waterbodies, it is crucial to terminate sewage lines connected to stormwater drains and desilt them to allow fresh water flow."
As the election date draws near, these demands from RWAs reflect a collective call for accountability and action from political representatives, aiming to transform longstanding civic neglect into prioritized governance in Chennai's key constituencies.
