Residents of Lake Area demand permanent solution

Suffering neglect the rest of the year, they say that the civic authorities take notice only when it’s time for the tournament. “Every year, the Corporation fixes the same road. It is the same footpath that is relaid over and over again. Why can’t they do a good job the one time so that they don’t have to waste their money on repair work,” says Ramnath, a long-time resident of Nungambakkam,  who lives on First Main Road. 

“The roads around the stadium are spic and span, but there are certain stretches close by that do need attention; for example, Lake Area 6th and 7th Cross  Street has overflowing dustbins and garbage piled on the road,” Ramnath points out. 

Another cause that members of the Lake Area Residents’ Association have been fighting for is the blocking of roads during political rallies at Valluvarkottam. “Most of these political events are organised near the entrance of the Lake Area Main Road because of which 6th  and 7 th  streets are blocked. There have been several incidents when people had to struggle during a medical emergency,” says Shyam Sekhar, president of the Association. 

Earlier this year, they even organised a signature campaign to let the authorities know about their grievances. “Lake Area was once an ideal neighbourhood, but it has now lost its charm. It has important schools, a landmark like Valluvarkottam and a tennis stadium. Authorities  must take steps to beautify the space. The residents here plan to launch an aggressive campaign to fight for the beauty and charm of Lake Area,” says Ramnath.