Citizen Connect: Corporation’s rainwater harvesting on pavements inconveniences pedestrians in Palavakkam

Those who take ECR Main Road in Palavakkam are in for a bizarre inconvenience. A row of rectangular structure supposedly intended to collect rainwater has been constructed on the footpath opposite Slam Fitness Gym, near Anthony’s Church.

The concrete structures have been built in a manner that has completely taken over the footpath. There is little room ahead of or behind the structures for pedestrians to use. What was a perfectly serviceable pavement has been rendered unusable as a result of this.

The onset of monsoon sees many attempts to increase the water table, but building of concrete blocks to gather rainwater over a concrete pavement defeats the purpose of water permeating into the ground.

A Swiggy bike rider, Kannan, who frequents the area often to pick up deliveries, said two-wheelers find it really inconvenient. “Traffic gets really congested in the evenings and when we are stuck sometimes, we don’t even have room to manoeuvre to the sides. In fact, there has been a couple of minor falls on the road due to this over the past couple of days,” he said.

Moreover, the structures are a safety hazard for pedestrians who now must step on to the road to cross this section. The area sees heavy traffic and having pedestrians join the road raises many concerns. The structure poses a huge inconvenience to motorists by extension.

“I don’t see the point of it other than them being a nuisance to the public. We cannot walk this way anymore. The road is dangerous and those who travel on food must try to blend in with traffic. It also is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that find the structure suitable. It is a baffling addition to the road,” said Monica, a resident of the area.

When contacted, the executive engineer of Zone 14 said that they have thus far not received any complaints with regard to the structure from the general public. The assistant executive engineer demanded more details so suitable action if necessary can be taken.