Land acquisition issues delay bridge across canal, Burma Nagar residents suffer

Locals said that they were refugees from Myanmar (Burma) and were allocated land near Sadayankuppam for settlement. As the flood carrier stood in the way of Sadayankuppam residents reaching Tiruvottiyur High Road, they either waded through the water or used a log to cross the canal.

Alarmed at the plight of locals, especially during the rainy season, Tamil Nadu Petroproducts Limited (TPL) constructed a steel bridge for pedestrians and two-wheelers during the mid-80s, which is still being used.

“I came to Chennai when I was just nine months old. For many years, we used to wade through the water to reach the main road. After TPL constructed the bridge, it was a big relief. This bridge is so narrow, we have to wait for vehicles to pass. It can barely manage the weight of a car. A few years ago, a bike fell into the river. When we complained about the strength of the structure, TPL renovated,” Shanthi N, a resident of Sadayankuppam, said. “However, though there is a board placed at the entrance of the bridge mentioning that only two-wheelers are allowed on the bridge, we find cars and bullock carts using the bridge as it shortens the travel by a few kilometres. But, this has made the bridge weak.”

Residents of the area demand that cars and or bigger vehicles should take another route to reach the main road until the new bridge is built. “We have filed complaints to the Highways department to build a concrete bridge, which would make our journey short. Till now, they haven’t taken any effort in this regard. During peak hours, the situation is worse and we should wait for at least an hour to cross the bridge. It would be easy for us if the Highways department starts the construction soon,” said Mahesan S, another resident of Sadayankuppam.

Speaking to DT Next, an official of the State Highway department’s Tiruvallur division said that the State government was yet to compensate money to the residents of Burma Nagar and Sadayankuppam for taking their land. “Initially, the locals were not willing to give up their land. Later, around 27 residents gave their land for the construction of the bridge. Only 10 of the residents need to be compensated, which is expected to happen soon. After this process, we will release a tender and the construction work will start soon. We would complete the construction work in six months,” the official said.