CHENNAI: Residents have raised safety concerns over uncovered stormwater drains along Chitlapakkam Second Main Road, a key stretch used daily by thousands of commuters and schoolchildren.
The road, which connects Sanatorium Railway Station to Chitlapakkam, is one of the busiest in the area. The road has Chitlapakkam Government Higher Secondary School, where more than 2,000 students study. In addition, people travelling on foot or by two-wheelers from the railway station to areas such as Ramakrishnapuram, Nehru Nagar, and Hastinapuram regularly use this road.
However, residents point out that several stormwater drains along the roadside are remain open without protective slabs or covers. Locals said this has created a dangerous situation, especially for elderly people who use the stretch for morning and evening walks, and for school students commuting on bicycles and two-wheelers.
Residents have urged the Tambaram Corporation to take immediate steps to repair the drains and provide proper covers without further delay
They warn that a moment of inattention could cause someone to slip or fall into the open drain, leading to serious injuries. Residents have urged the Tambaram Corporation to take immediate steps to repair the drains and provide proper covers without further delay.
P Viswanathan, president of the Chitlapakkam Residents Welfare Association, said the issue has been repeatedly brought to the attention of authorities.
“When we approach the Corporation, they say the drain was built by the Water Resources Department and that the department must maintain it. When we complain to the department, we are told the matter is under consideration. We have been filing complaints for months to the Corporation Commissioner, district administration and the Water Resources Department, but no action has been taken,” he said.
He added that continued inaction could have serious consequences. “If someone falls into these open drains and gets injured, the authorities will have to take responsibility,” he said.