Residents and traders in Chennai’s Adyar zone have urged authorities to resolve recurring sewage overflows, traffic congestion, parking and street-vending problems before heavy rains intensify the situation during the Northeast Monsoon. The grievances were raised during Information Technology Minister R. Kumar’s inspection of monsoon preparedness works in wards 179 and 180 on Wednesday.
Residents of Besant Nagar, Thideer Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur told the minister that several problems had continued despite repeated complaints to officials. In Lakshmipuram, residents said sewage overflowed almost every day on Ambedkar Street, with temporary clearances failing to prevent the problem from recurring later in the day.
The overflow has made it difficult for pedestrians to use the street and has affected nearby businesses, residents said. They also raised concerns about mosquito breeding and the risk of disease during the monsoon, seeking a permanent solution instead of repeated temporary repairs. Thirunal, who runs a shop in the area, said customers were reluctant to cross the sewage to enter the premises and that recurring overflow had contributed to mosquito infestation.
A similar complaint was raised on Kaveri Street in Kalakshetra Colony, where residents said vehicles parked by outsiders were creating obstacles for street sweepers. Another resident of Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, said sewage had been overflowing near a men’s hostel opposite Kasturi RRK Enclave since October 6. The location near Sekar Store and an ice cream outlet was described by residents as a health hazard.
Residents also complained about pavement encroachment by street vendors, roadside parking and traffic congestion. Rajeswari, a resident of Kalakshetra Colony, said vendors using gas cylinders, large vessels, tables and stools had occupied pavements on both sides of Second Avenue, leaving limited space for pedestrians. She also pointed to congestion around Arupadai Temple and heavy parking on roads in Besant Nagar.
Residents suggested measures including parking charges based on vehicle size and making the narrow street near Pamban Swamy Temple one-way. They also sought regulation of vendors around the beach and raised concerns about smoking near tea kiosks on Second Avenue. The complaints covered not only traffic movement but also pedestrian access and the use of public spaces.
During the inspection, Kumar reviewed ongoing stormwater drain works on Radhakrishnan Salai, Kalakshetra Road and Malaviya Avenue and directed officials to complete them before the monsoon. He also reviewed precautionary measures at the pumping station on Thiruvalluvar Salai.
The minister later visited the Amma Unavagam at Cholapuram to inspect food quality and interacted with customers. He also checked the availability of essential commodities at a fair price shop in Marundeeswarar Nagar. Kumar met residents of Marudheeswarar Nagar, Lakshmipuram and Bharathidasan Street over sewage and patta-related grievances and directed officials to take immediate action. Regional Deputy Commissioner (south) Aftab Rasool, zonal officer N. Dakshinamurthy and the Velachery tahsildar accompanied him.
