CHENNAI: Residents of NGO Colony in Choolaimedu have appealed to civic authorities to sever illegal sewage connections contaminating stormwater drains and to repair a long-neglected road, citing severe health and living conditions.
The problem stems from a stormwater drain (SWD) project completed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in October 2022. Residents allege the work was hastily done and failed to address pre-existing illegal sewage lines linking the drain. As a result, sewage frequently overflows onto Fourth Cross Street, stagnating outside homes and creating a public health hazard.
K Janarthanan, a resident of NGO Colony 4th Street, alleged, "Rainwater from three other streets flows through 4th Cross Street, connects to Gandhi Road, and eventually reaches the canal. However, even on normal days, sewage overflows from the stormwater drain (SWD). Compounding the issue, mosquitoes swarm during the evening, posing health risks to children and senior citizens."
He added, "While the Greater Chennai Corporation has taken initiatives to address illegal sewage connections, local authorities have failed to resolve this specific problem, despite our formal complaints."
Raising similar concerns, another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "A few houses on this street are illegally connected to the sewage line within the stormwater drain. The stench from the SWD silt catchpits is unbearable. Adding to our woes, officials made a road cut on Fourth Cross Street while constructing the drain; yet, even after three years, the road has not been relaid. We urge local body officials to repave the road at the earliest."
Another resident of Choolaimedu, Praveen Kumar, complained that sewage seepage is a frequent occurrence on Annanedum Pathai, Periyar Pathai, Nehru Street, and Venkateshwara Lane.
"The overflow occurs primarily because commercial establishments discharge excessive wastewater into the sewage lines. This often results in sewage backflow into residential homes. Consequently, officials have issued notices to the owners of these commercial establishments, directing them to manage their wastewater discharge properly," said Praveen.
Multiple attempts to contact GCC officials for clarification over the illegal sewage connection issue proved futile.
An official in the CMWSSB denied the complaint, "We have renovated and increased the storage well capacity and motor pumps in the pumping station. Also, issued notice for the commercial establishments in Anna Nedumpathai for improperly letting out the wastewater."
He further stated that the Illegal sewage connections to SWD will be arrested.