CHENNAI: Residents of Injambakkam along the ECR confronted officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) over delays and uncertainty surrounding storm water drainage works in their neighbourhood, expressing concern that the project could be stalled if election dates are announced before completion.
Residents from Anna Enclave and surrounding localities said that many interior roads continue to lack SWD, resulting in rainwater stagnation and flooding for years.
They said that while a large-scale project had now been announced, officials had not clearly explained which streets would be taken up immediately and which would be deferred. Residents also expressed apprehension that the announcement of elections could delay tenders and stall the works, leaving partially covered areas vulnerable during the monsoon.
Responding to the residents, the GCC South Regional Deputy Commissioner Aftab Rasool said, “Funding has been sanctioned, Around 17 km of SWD will be completed by December this year. Work will commence as soon as permissible and it will cover all the 8 streets of the locality. Residents can submit written representations for roads not included in the present phase.”
As the discussion continued without consensus, the exchange escalated, following which the official instructed police personnel to register an FIR against one of the residents involved, leading to brief tension in the area.
The exchange took place after foundation stones were laid for SWD works in Injambakkam – a Rs 98.88 crore project that covers 301 streets.
The event was attended by Health Minister Ma Subramanian, and South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian among others.