Citizen Connect: Open manhole, damaged road worry Tondiarpet commuters and residents

“I ride to the office every morning and return back home at night through Varadaraja Perumal Koil Street. After nightfall, it is difficult to see the rubble around the manhole and I often fumble on it. It is scary as it could result in grievous injuries if one is distracted and drives right into the manhole,” said Manickam (42), manager of a bike showroom located on Tiruvottiyur High Road.

The narrow street behind the car parking of the Agasthiya Theater has a heavy flow of two-wheelers as well as pedestrians who use the street to reach the buzzing Tiruvottiyur High Road, the prime road in Tondiarpet. A good number of small stores like medical shops, bakeries and temples are located on the narrow street.

“I have seen two-wheeler riders swerve on seeing the manhole and collide with other vehicles. A lot of fights happen because of this obstacle on the road,” said a salesman who works at a medical store on the street.

Parents of students studying in Muruga Dhanushkodi Girls school and the Little Flower School and Convent are also stressed by the gaping manhole on the narrow street. “I usually walk my daughter to the school. Sometimes, if I have to leave early to work, she goes by herself. It would be great if the manhole is closed so I don’t have to worry about her safety,” said Monica T.

When DT Next got in touch with the Executive Engineer of Zone 4, Greater Chennai Corporation, he enquired about the name of the street and details of the manhole. He assured that the issue will be looked into and resolved at the earliest.