Residents angry over delayed ISWD work

Sources said that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) took up ISWD work a year ago to store rainwater and  let it into nearby water-bodies. However, officials reportedly commenced work in a hasty manner just ahead of the monsoon, rendering them incomplete in some parts like Ambattur and Koyambedu. Further, the recent rains have damaged these drains with rainwater entering the drenches dug by officials. 

Meanwhile, rains have also damaged newly- laid interior and arterial roads in many parts of the city. “The Corporation workers re-laid the rough roads last Saturday and Sunday. But, Monday’s rains completely damaged the roads,” said K Anand, a resident of Padi. Similar shoddy works have drawn criticism from road users across the city. “Taking up such works during the rainy season has compounded the problem. The stretch between Ambattur Industrial Estate to Lucas TVS bus stop is already uneven. After the rain, the condition of the road has gone from bad to worse,” said an MTC bus driver, adding, that it is bumpy ride for all vehicles, forcing them to move at a snail’s pace. 

LG Ravi, joint secretary, Association of Society Welfare, Ambattur, said that Ambattur is always neglected by officials. “Work on the ISWD began a year ago and the officials do not accelerate the work as is necessary. Although Corporation officials are aware of the impending monsoon, they take up works like this,” he said and added that despite repeated requests, road works have not been undertaken for long. 

When contacted, Suresh Kumar, Executive Engineer, Ambattur Zone said, “As far as ISWD is concerned, we have almost completed all the work. Only one more link remains to be connected. We will complete all the works soon.” He added that they have sought an NOC certificate from Metro Water to start that work.