Chennai Safety Crisis Residents Demand Urgent Action
North Chennai residents have raised growing safety concerns over the escalating issue of substance abuse and crime in dimly lit interior streets. Increasing instances of public intoxication, vandalism, and littering have threatened community well-being, particularly in areas like Tondiarpet, Tiruvottiyur, and Royapuram. Residents report that groups of young men frequently gather in secluded spaces, consuming alcohol and drugs, leaving behind broken glass bottles that pose risks to sanitation workers and pedestrians. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Public Health Department, several conservancy workers have suffered injuries while collecting waste in these areas. Despite repeated complaints from locals, the issue remains largely unaddressed, exacerbating the sense of insecurity and neglect.
Women in these neighbourhoods feel particularly vulnerable, especially in poorly lit areas near Captain Cotton Canal, Government Stanley Hospital, and MRTS stations like Washermanpet. “The smell of alcohol fills the air in the evenings, and we often hear intoxicated individuals banging on doors and shouting,” said Sathya, a Tondiarpet resident, who expressed concerns about her daughter’s safety while returning from school. Residents demand the installation of surveillance cameras in these problem spots, yet officials have stated that CCTVs can only be placed along main roads, not in interior neighbourhoods, where crimes often occur. Additionally, activists point out that these issues are prevalent across multiple locations, including parks and vacant lands, further intensifying the call for enhanced security and intervention.
From a civic standpoint, the lack of street surveillance and police patrolling has allowed illegal activities to persist unchecked. Several residents have urged authorities to set up security booths and increase night-time patrolling, particularly near TASMAC outlets, which have become hotspots for substance abuse and public disturbances. Reports indicate that many affected areas lack adequate street lighting, making them ideal for illegal gatherings. Activist Ravi Kumar highlighted concerns in Mannadi, where public spaces near religious sites have become unsafe due to frequent drinking and disorderly behaviour. Even sanitation workers struggle, as many are not provided with proper safety gear, despite handling hazardous waste, including shattered glass from liquor bottles. While privatised waste management zones offer protective boots, they are reportedly distributed only once every three months, leaving many workers exposed to injury.
From a sustainability perspective, the lack of proper urban planning and underutilisation of public spaces contribute to these ongoing safety concerns. Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran stated that steps were being taken to create safer, well-maintained public spaces. He emphasised the potential of Open Space Reservation (OSR) lands to be developed into sports facilities, such as football or pickleball turfs, to engage youth in constructive activities and deter them from unhealthy habits. Additionally, the maintenance of Chennai’s 871 parks will be outsourced to private entities, ensuring regular upkeep and enhanced safety. However, residents argue that mere infrastructure upgrades are not enough—without strict law enforcement and real-time surveillance, these initiatives will fail to address the root cause of the problem.
With concerns escalating among locals, authorities face mounting pressure to implement concrete safety measures that ensure secure public spaces and restore confidence in urban governance. The growing insecurity in North Chennai serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for proactive urban safety strategies.
