Illegal dumping of debris eats up Cooum bank in Shenoy Nagar

The debris has returned despite the Public Works Department and the Greater Chennai Corporation removing encroachments recently and strengthening the river bank in Shenoy Nagar.

“Some lorries used to dump construction waste on the river bank and we could not stop them fearing implications. Chennai Corporation officials should stop the dumping and take severe action to discourage the activity,” a shop owner, seeking anonymity, said.

The debris not only affects the river bank but also pose risk to motorists on the road. When DT Next visited the spot, debris was strewn beyond the pedestrian demarcation.

“Motorists heading towards Nelson Manickam Road Subway (Loyola Subway) from Harrington Road Subway use Chari Salai. Debris is dumped near the spot where the road curves. Vehicles on the stretch are at risk of accidents,” J Kumar, a two-wheeler rider, said.

When contacted, a Chennai Corporation official said the Public Works Department is restoring the banks and they would remove the debris. “However, we impose a penalty of Rs 2,000 on persons dumping debris in public places. We will continue the action,” he added. The civic body has collected more than Rs 1.36 crore from the violators since January 2017.

The Corporation has plans to set up debris recycling plants at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur landfills where the construction waste would be recycled into construction blocks.