CHENNAI: In light of the persistent civic issues plaguing Tambaram Corporation, residents have intensified their demands for immediate resumption of civic work and regular grievance redressal meetings. These meetings, halted before the Parliamentary elections, are seen as essential for addressing the growing discontent among the populace.
The primary concerns revolve around irregular garbage collection, a rampant stray dog menace, overflowing sewage, and neglected stormwater drains. These issues have prompted resident welfare associations (RWAs) across the region to convene meetings and file formal petitions to the authorities. Notably affected are the interior areas of Chromepet, Tambaram, Thiruneermalai, Anakaputhur, and Pammal. In New Colony, Chromepet, with its approximately 10,000 households, residents have voiced their frustration over the erratic garbage collection. “Outsourced contractors are failing to visit our area regularly, leading to people discarding garbage bags outside,” said a local resident. This negligence has attracted stray dogs and cattle, exacerbating the hygiene issues. A recent incident involving a young girl attacked by stray dogs while heading to her music class highlights the severity of the problem, noted a member of the United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations.
The absence of engagement from ward councillors further aggravates the situation. “It’s been almost five months since our ward councillor last visited. The zone chairman has never been here,” a New Colony resident lamented, pointing out that stormwater drains in Judge Colony remain unsilted.
Balavinayagar Kovil Street near Tambaram Sanatorium railway station faces similar woes, with sewage overflow becoming a common sight. “The stench of sewage after the recent rains was unbearable,” remarked a resident, adding that stormwater drains have not been desilted for four to six months. An official noted that around 165 workers have been deployed to desilt drains and canals ahead of the monsoon.
In Keelkattalai, a shopkeeper highlighted the persistent issues with interior road conditions despite repeated inspections by corporation engineers. “The metro line expansion work has worsened the situation, creating potholes and craters that make daily commutes a challenge. We hope the corporation hires reliable contractors,” he expressed.
An RWA member in Pallavaram underscored the need for proactive engagement from officials. “We have no clarity on the status of various civic projects. Regular meetings would ensure our issues are heard and addressed promptly,” he asserted. The residents’ collective voice calls for immediate action to alleviate the civic distress, urging the authorities to prioritise the completion of essential works and enhance communication with the community. The situation highlights a broader need for improved governance and accountability in addressing the basic infrastructure and service needs of urban populations.
