Mugalivakkam residents furious over unplanned stormwater works

However, GCC officials assured of relaying roads once the works are over. According to residents, works have started in the beginning of November and they found that pits were dug up improperly on the entire stretch of Ashram Avenue Phase 1 without any prior information to the residents. “We later came to know that work was undertaken by the GCC. The works also resulted in a few accidents, as road has become prone to accidents due to the debris from the digging,” said a resident. 

After a couple of weeks, they have been informed that the stormwater project has taken off. “The conditions have become very bad and unsafe for commuting, as in one case an ambulance got stuck for over 15 minutes with a patient inside and we could do nothing,” said M Ramachandran, a resident of Mugalivakkam.

Considering the narrow nature of the entire stretch, the roads have become heavily crowded and risky for the two-wheeler riders travelling to DLF IT park, he added. 

If the Corporation has to carry out such work, then why didn’t they execute it in phases, with due information to all the residents as per the guidelines, they questioned. “Besides many complaints, there is no proper response or clarification and we suspect whether such works are carried out by the Corporation or political leaders,” they noted. 

When contacted, Zonal officer (12th zone) Rama Murthy said, “We are talking stormwater drain works in the area and we will complete the works soon, after which we will relay roads.” Further, Metro Water Board is also undertaking works for increasing the connectivity to the area, he added.