Art of clearing: Corpn students show the way on Sringeri Mutt Road

Nashwa Naushad, Associate (Urban Development), Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), said, the road was widened after the ‘tactical urbanism’ initiative and encroachments were removed. “The school students and children of the locality were roped in so they could feel a sense of ownership and be responsible towards maintenance of the road. The artwork will deter anti-social elements and more importantly open urination. The initiative is part of a pilot measure,” she added.

The residents have also separated the walkway with temporary traffic cones and are planning to lay concrete separation.

“The encroachments and open urination would force school students and pedestrians to walk on the road. So we approached the traffic police. They, along with, ITDP took this initiative,” KL Balasubramaniam, Tiruveedhi Amman Koil Street Residents Association (TAKSRA), said.

He added that the Corporation also helped clear out the abandoned vehicles. There are seven schools, including a Chennai Corporation High School in the area. This also leads to the Mandaveli railway station.

A student, who took part in the initiative, said, earlier, they feared walking in the area, especially after sundown. “Now, the road is clean and safe,” he said.