Mill road before relaying, court orders panchayat

“Over the years, the road height has increased by eight inches each time it was re-laid. During the monsoons, even a short spell of rain would mean that the water would enter the homes. Some residents have spent lakhs to raise the level of their homes above the street, while those who could afford it, started reconstruction. 

The Chitalapakkam Town Panchayat officials didn’t respond to our complaints, following which a PIL had to be filed,” said Sunil Jayaram, a resident of Chitalapakkam, who has been fighting this issue for a decade now. 

Though the High Court had in 2016 directed that milling should be followed before taking up road relaying work, it was not addressed directly to the Panchayat. 

“When we requested the officials to mill the road before it was relaid, it was not considered. We had to file yet another PIL, following which we received a clear order, directing the panchayat officials to scrape the existing road before relaying it,” added Sunil. 

Balachander, another resident, said that the judgement has brought respite for the residents. 

“During the hearing, the Chief Justice also directed the officials to undertake periodic supervision of the work done by the contractor. The court also remarked that public cannot be expected to raise their foundations to match the road heights and therefore the official has to ensure that road level is maintained and is re-laid in a proper manner,” the residents said. 

Sunil added that copies of the order would be distributed to the residents and officials. “Any lapses will be recorded, and contempt of court case will be filed,” he said.