Chennai: Relocate Tasmac from Arunachalam Street, urge Saligramam residents

CHENNAI: Residents of Saligramam have raised concerns over the operation of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) outlet on Arunachalam Road, near Ward 129 Assistant Engineer’s office, which inconveniences the general public, as tipplers use the wall near the outlet to urinate.

Also, people come to the bar and park their vehicles on the road, which results in traffic congestion and shrinking of the carriageway.

Residents have called for a shift of the bar to another location. The outlet lies adjacent to a private school playground used by students. A nearby tea shop has become a gathering spot where groups of people, including youth and senior citizens, smoke. While occupying the pavements, pedestrians face difficulties crossing the road.

Sangeetha, a resident of Arunachalam Road, lamented, “Pavement near the bar is largely encroached upon by vehicles of patrons. Furthermore, the crowd smoking at the tea shop leaves no room for women to walk. Hence, we’re forced to walk on the main road, compromising our safety.”

Concurring with her was a local vendor near the Tasmac outlet, who also questioned the officials’ lack of accountability for public safety. “Pedestrians, particularly women and children, feel unsafe crossing the stretch, especially after dark. A large number of college students frequent the bar, as it is positioned directly opposite a private college,” added the vendor.

There are three bars functioning within a 1-km radius on Arunachalam Road. Residents have submitted a formal complaint to AMV Prabhakar Raja, Virugambakkam MLA, to relocate this specific outlet to a non-residential area immediately. “He has sent a formal letter to the Office of the Enforcement Wing Deputy Commissioner to initiate the relocation process immediately. Residents in the nearby buildings are suffering immensely; the bar must be moved to alleviate this public inconvenience,” Sangeetha added.