Residents divided over SWD project in ECR

CHENNAI: Tension prevailed among stakeholders meeting conducted the Greater Chennai Corporation to discuss new stormwater drain project in Kovalam basin as residents expressed divided opinions about requirement of the drains in Neelankarai on Friday.

Several residents associations on the eastern side of the ECR opposed the project while residents on the western side urged the civic body to construct drains in their areas citing water stagnation for several days.

Ironically, the detailed project report prepared by the civic body under M3 component of the project falls on the eastern side.

Moreover, arguments between some of the associations occured when a resident of VGP Layout Phase One, which is also on the eastern side of ECR spoke in favour of the project. Opposing this, other residents wanted her to stop speaking forcing officials to step in to assuage the crowd.

Taking part in the meeting, former IPS officer K Radhakrishnan spoke against the project and pointed out that the project will impact ground water recharge of the aquifer area.