CHENNAI: The Federation of OMR Resident Associations (FOMRRA), representing over 250 communities and 3 lakh voters, released its "2026 Manifesto," a strategic wishlist for the welfare of the people living there.
The manifesto also outlined a vision to transform the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) from a busy IT corridor into a sustainable urban ecosystem.
Federation co-founder Harsha Koda and his team have already submitted the demands of sewerage and water supply, storm water drain (SWD) and flood mitigation, road and traffic, public transport and mass transit, urban planning and zoning, smart city and digital infrastructure, solid waste management, environmental protection, electricity and street lights, energy, health and safety, human animal conflict, governance and execution to DMK, AIADMK and BJP.
Noting that OMR's sewerage capacity is failing to meet its 360 MLD demand, the manifesto said poor waste management have led to illegal dumping in marshlands. Other key demands include a universal underground drainage (UGD) network, commissioning four 100 MLD STPs with public monitoring, and ensuring 24/7 piped water.
The area was facing chronic flooding due to undersized, disjointed drains and blocked flow paths, it said, demanding an integrated SWD network linked to canals, restoration of waterbodies, and retaining walls for the Buckingham Canal.
It also sought immediate action to improve the road infrastructure, as the stretch is marked by potholes, dark stretches, and severe bottlenecks. The roads should be re-laid in a time-bound manner, and authorities should ensure that service roads are not obstructed. Residents also sought scientific junction redesigns, safe pedestrian infrastructure, and mandatory traffic impact studies for all new mega-projects to ensure long-term mobility.
The region was facing several challenges, including Metro Rail Phase-2 delays, weak bus frequencies, missing last-mile connectivity, and no mini-bus and feeder services to bridge critical gaps, it said. Hence, Metro Rail work should be speeded up with transparent milestones, and seamless bus-Metro-suburban integration should be ensured. Increased peak-hour MTC frequency, well-lit, CCTV-secured bus shelters, and formalised last-mile connectivity via feeder buses and e-rickshaws at all transit hubs are the other demands it raised.
The construction of high-rises must be halted till supporting infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water, and power is established.
Protect Pallikaranai marsh and Buckingham Canal
Create green spaces like Adyar Eco Park
OMR-specific unified grievance platform integrating GCC, Highways, Police, Metro Water, and CMRL
Ward-level segregation, decentralised material recovery facilities, and biogas plants
Stable power supply through underground cabling
Multi-speciality government hospital with trauma facilities
Fire stations at Thazhambur, Perumbakkam, and Thoraipakkam