Encroachments and hyacinths—MKB Nagar fights for clean space

The fast growth rate of the hyacinths, which covers the canal almost entirely, has actually left the Greater Chennai Corporation in a fix. “We don’t know what to do about it. The growth rate of the plant has surpassed the frequency of cleaning,” a senior official from Zone 4 of the Corporation said.

The official added that the robotic excavator, the machine used to weed out hyacinths and desilt waterways, is in big demand across the various zones.“The trips of the robotic excavator have been scheduled. We are waiting for our turn to use it,” the official said, assuring that the waterways would be cleaned before the rains set in.

The canal was cleared almost six months ago, said the residents.The bigger concern was regarding encroachments, they added.

“The land belongs to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board, but there are several unauthorised occupants. We contacted both the Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board and the Electricity Board to find out why they gave water and electricity connections. They told us the occupants had valid ration cards and that the supply was actually given for public taps,” SA Deivamani, president, Artisan Residents Welfare Association, said.

He pointed out that the encroachments prevented floodwater from reaching the canal during rains leading to stagnation. “These encroachments are the major cause for flooding every year,” he charged.

Making things worse, slaughterhouses have been dumping waste in the canal, the residents alleged. “You can see fowl and cattle remains being dumped here. This is also a huge breeding ground for mosquitoes. We have requested the Housing Board to put the land to better use. The Corporation has been cleaning the waterways on and off, but there has been no end in sight for the indiscriminate dumping that happens here,” said another resident, on condition of anonymity.