Peeved by encroachments, residents reject T Nagar skywalk

“Unfortunately, Chennai Corporation seldom checks with the stakeholders, probably to nip any opposition in the bud towards such projects. Despite many appeals made by the residents, the civic body said that it is going ahead with the project,” said members of T Nagar Residents’Welfare Association.

The Greater Chennai Corporation is taking up the skywalk project under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 30.35 crore. The skywalk would also connect Railway Border Road and Madley Road covering 600 metres.

The association also pointed out that officials’ apathy in removing the encroachments was denying them the right to use the public space. Going ahead with the skywalk project instead of acting against the encroachers gave the impression that civic body does not want to curb it or incapable of acting againstthe encroachers.

“A lane between Ranganathan Street and Natesan Street, which the Chennai Corporation opened years ago to relocate the hawkers, is in a state of neglect. It now serves as an open toilet to the employees of stores nearby. If the lane becomes functional and cleaned, it will be a big relief for the public,” the association urged.

The association also noted that constructing the skywalk would not resolve the problem and it can only be resolved if the civic body took stern action against encroachment.