Citizen Connect: Potholes at Kolathur become puddles as rain sets in, irk road users

A major part of the road has puddles and potholes filled with rainwater. “Every time it rains, there is water stagnation in the area it takes about a week to dry and that too only if there is no rain after that. However, the puddles remain on the stretch and trouble the pedestrians and motorists,” said Saleem Shah, a resident of Thirumalai Nagar.

Residents rued that there are multiple issues, including pending construction of drains, in the locality, while leakage of sewage water also adds to the problem.

“The stretch sees a large number of commuters every day as it connects Retteri to Kolathur. But the stretch is not being maintained properly. Sewage water from nearby manhole leaks round the clock and if there is no rainwater stagnation, the puddles are filled with sewage water,” said R Sangeetha, another resident ofthe locality.

Some of the residents tried to cover the puddles with debris but it did not last long due to continuous leaking of sewage water. “We have filed a complaint with the Greater Chennai Corporation and requested them to resolve the issue, but they said that senior authorities have to take action regarding this. As the rain intensifies, inconvenience to the residents will also increase,” said S Vetrivel, a resident of Thirumalai Nagar.

Residents requested the authorities to relay the road or fill in the potholes before monsoon to avoid inconvenience to the commuters and the residents. When contacted, zonal officials said that the issue looked into immediately. As soon as the construction of the drains is completed, the potholes will be filled in, said the official.