Citizen connect: Residents struggle with dust pollution as roads in north Korattur await blacktopping

North Korattur in the northern part of the city is one of the developing areas which is located adjacent to the 100 Feet Road, one of the busiest roads in the city. The area is a relatively newly developed residential locality that was brought under the city Corporation limits. The Greater Chennai Corporation has been gradually providing civic amenities in the area.

C Saravanan, a central government employee, said the roads in the area do not have black top, because of which it is very difficult to ply on the road. “Traveling on the roads during the nights is even more difficult, as there are huge pits,” he said.

Saravanan pointed out that even though the pits in the middle of the road, which were dug up when works were taken up for laying underground drainage, have been covered, it was done so poorly that two-wheeler riders are facing a bumpy ride. Many have even fallen down after unknowingly riding on these protrusions at night, said Saravanan, adding that it becomes even more dangerous when the riders are travelling with family, especially children.

Another problem that the residents are facing because of the poor condition of the roads is the dust that is sent flying when vehicles pass by. The people here complained the trouble that it causes even insidetheir homes.

C Manjula, a homemaker from north Korattur, said, “The main road is one of the busiest roads in north Korattur. That is why we rented out a house on one the less busy roads in the locality. However, but none of the interior roads are laid properly, due to which there is heavy dust accumulation in our houses.”

To prevent the dust from entering her house, she has to keep all the doors and windows closed. But that has not helped much, Manjula said, rueing how the house has to be cleaned on a regular basis.

When asked, a Corporation official said that civic body has already commenced the process of laying new roads in north Korattur. All the roads would be re-laid before the urban local body polls, the official said.