Lake Area overflows with tipplers’ nuisance

According to the residents, Lake Area was one of the most sort after localities but over the years, the situation has become such that people have to worry about the safety. “Valluvarkottam hall is most sought after by artists as it is a perfect venue. It is surrounded by tall boundry walls and so are the schools nearby. A tennis stadium nearby is also well-protected in a similar way. With tall boundaries on all sides, many streets in the area are misused by the customers of the Tasmac outlet,” says Ramanthan, a member of Lake Area Residents Association (LARA). He further adds, “Due to the existence of a pumping station of Chennai Metrowater close-by, one can find may lorries parked in Lake Area. For drivers of these lorries, presence of this shop close-by, makes it easy to procure liquor.” The Corporation park in the area is used by the fitness conscious residents. But the morning walkers often find broken bottles and glass pieces strewn all over the road. 

“In fact, one day I collected the glass bottles from the road,” says Ramnath. Women avoid taking certain roads after 7 pm. “There are cars parked on the First Main Road. With men hanging around all the time and passing lewd comments, it gets very uncomfortable to pass by,” says C Charu, an IT employee, who requests the cab to drop right at her doorsteps to avoid the tipplers. The Chennai police had recently organised a meet with the Lake Area residents to address these issues. 

“They suggested that we must walk on the footpath and not on the road. Walking on the road makes it easier for chain-snatchers. But one of the problem is that footpaths on the First Main Road have been encroached upon by eateries, the space in front of it is occupied by the vehicles of their customers. Where do pedestrians walk,” question another resident. Presence of schools in the area makes matter worse. School children are put to all kinds of hardship. “All we want is re-location of the TASMAC outlet to a place where the residents will not be affected,” says Ramnath.