Reporter’s diary: When the job gets done even before the news gets published

Recently, this reporter was alerted about a civic issue on garbage being dumped by the road in Padi kuppam area in Anna Nagar West, and sure enough, a visit to the spot revealed that the entire stretch of Padi kuppam road near Ooty vegetable stop was littered with garbage. The residents said that the tree branches had not been cleared for long time and though they filed complaints to the Corporation office, no steps were taken to clear the garbage.

This reporter contacted Anna Nagar zonal official, and the officials were not aware of the issue, but they were diligent enough to ask for the exact location and pictures of the garbage that was left uncleared on the road.  

The next day, while filing the story, she received a call from a local resident who informed that the garbage had been cleared and the road had been thoroughly cleaned. While this reporter lost a story, it was certainly worthwhile, as the people of that neighbourhood appreciated her efforts despite the report not getting published.