Jamalia Subway’s Stagnant Water Problem Continues to Plague Commuters
The persistent issue of stagnant water in the Jamalia Subway near Perambur continues to haunt daily commuters, raising concerns about both public health and the effectiveness of local civic governance. A particularly distressing sight was recently observed when a schoolgirl, dressed in uniform, waded through knee-deep water, a scene that has become increasingly common for residents who rely on this route. Despite numerous complaints over the years, the subway that connects East Perambur with Cortex Lane on Perambur High Road remains inundated, and no lasting solution from the municipal corporation is in sight.
This subway, crucial for thousands of school students and pedestrians, has become a hotspot for a variety of problems. Located in an area represented by Chennai’s Mayor, R Priya, the subway suffers from not only stagnant water but also litter, including plastic waste, alcohol bottles, and broken glass. This accumulation of waste and water has turned the space into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising public health concerns for the local population. Local residents, including school children like Geetha Shree M, a Class XII student, have expressed their frustration at the lack of progress in solving the issue. Geetha shared her daily ordeal, stating that the water sometimes reaches her hips and emits a foul smell. “My mother can’t afford auto fares, so I have no choice but to walk through this unhygienic path to school. I wish the corporation would fix it soon,” she lamented.
The problem has been ongoing for years, and local businesses and residents have had enough of the constant inconvenience. Manikandan R, a mechanic from Ramakrishna Street, who also uses the subway, described it as a “disaster” since its construction. He added, “During the monsoon season, the subway becomes completely unusable. The water seeps in from the low-lying railway tracks nearby, and though corporation workers pump out the water periodically, the issue persists. In addition, the subway turns into a hub for illegal activities at night, further compounding the problem.”
Recognising the gravity of the issue, Zone 6, Ward 71 councillor Punithavathi Aththiraasan acknowledged the persistent complaints from residents. She assured that the corporation is actively working to remove the stagnant water regularly. However, she added that a permanent solution is being devised to address the root cause of the problem. “We are committed to properly maintaining the subway, and a long-term plan is in the works,” she stated.
This ongoing issue in the Jamalia Subway underscores several crucial civic and urban challenges. First and foremost, it highlights the inadequacies in Chennai’s drainage and water management systems, which continue to struggle with urban growth and seasonal rainfall. The lack of proper infrastructure to handle water drainage efficiently has long been a pressing issue in many parts of the city. Second, the persistent stagnation in a public thoroughfare is a clear reflection of gaps in municipal governance, where short-term fixes are frequently implemented but long-term sustainable solutions are often ignored.
From a sustainability perspective, this issue is a reminder of the importance of integrating environmental and civic planning in urban spaces. Proper drainage systems, waste management, and flood mitigation strategies need to be embedded into the city’s development framework to ensure that public health is protected, and commuters can travel safely. Effective waste management, too, is crucial in preventing the accumulation of litter and harmful materials in public spaces, which only exacerbate the situation. In a growing urban landscape like Chennai, solving such problems sustainably requires a proactive approach, where community involvement, civic responsibility, and innovative planning intersect to build more resilient infrastructure.
