The western suburb of Chennai continues to grapple with significant infrastructure deficits. Despite the promise of improved amenities and urban development, residents remain disillusioned as basic infrastructure issues persist, undermining the progress anticipated with the upgrade.
Located 22 km from Chennai, Avadi gained prominence in the 1960s following the establishment of the Heavy Vehicles Factory by the Central government. The factory’s creation of job opportunities attracted a substantial migrant population. As of the 2011 Census, Avadi’s population stood at approximately 3,45,996. The suburb’s upgrade to a Corporation in 2019 was anticipated to usher in enhanced infrastructure and services. However, the reality has fallen short of these expectations.
Residents report ongoing issues with the Tonakela Camp Road, where damaged surfaces and inadequate maintenance create challenges for motorists. “The roads were dug up six months ago for repairs, yet they remain unrepaired, causing significant damage to vehicles,” notes a local resident. Moreover, the roads leading to TNHB locality and adjacent areas remain gravel-paved, exacerbating transportation difficulties. A major concern is the lack of functional stormwater drainage systems. “Whenever it rains, the area floods due to inadequate stormwater drainage. The existing infrastructure was hastily constructed in 2008 and has not been adequately maintained,” says a local shop owner. Despite the construction of stormwater drains in only four wards as a trial, the absence of a comprehensive drainage system remains a critical issue.
The inadequacies extend to drinking water supply as well. Residents who previously depended on the Cooum River now rely on borewells, often drilling to depths of 200-300 feet due to diminishing water access. “Water supply remains sporadic, with many still dependent on water tankers,” says a local official. The Corporation’s development efforts have also faltered. The absence of zonal officers and allocated funds for infrastructure projects has hindered progress. “The Corporation’s development relies heavily on taxes, which is insufficient. Expanding the Corporation’s scope to include major areas is necessary for meaningful progress,” states T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre.
Despite assurances of forthcoming improvements, including the construction of additional stormwater drains and the relaying of roads, the current state of infrastructure leaves much to be desired. Residents continue to face daily hardships, questioning the efficacy of the municipal upgrade and demanding immediate action to address the ongoing challenges.
