Closure of TASMAC shops brings cheer to Mylapore residents

Residents of Narmadha Apartments on RA Puram were relieved after the TASMAC outlet, located on the ground floor, was shut. K Ramachandran, one of the flat owners, filed a writ petition as the outlet was flouting regulations regarding its location. Despite the legal battle resulting in an order asking to the outlet to vacate the premises in December 2016, no action was taken. The residents then approached their MLA, Dr R Nataraj, whose repeated representation resulted in the closure of the two shops. The other TASMAC outlet, located near Visalakshi Garden near Mandaveli Railway Station, was always a hassle, recalled Uma Maheshwari, a member of the Jeth Nagar Residents Association (JERA). 

“We are exuberant that the outlet has been closed. We had been complaining about it for a long time. During the evening, women avoid that road, since there is a huge crowd outside the shop. In addition to the safety concerns, the tipplers also generate a huge amount of garbage and there is a perpetual stench,” said the civil engineer. The presence of two other TASMAC units on Canal Bank Road near the Mylapore Railway Station is a gross injustice to the people of the locality, said K Viswanathan, Secretary, Mylapore Residents Welfare Association. The reason is the slum area nearby, he pointed out. “There are a lot of consumers in that locality. Three years ago, we cleared a TASMAC shop on Ranga Road with much difficulty. But sadly, it was re-established next to the existing shop on Canal Bank Road.

At this location, you will see several hundred-people hanging around during the evening, blocking the roads. They eat and quarrel with each other on the road. This is a major hub with a bus stop and railway station as well as a residential area. A lot of commuters use this road. Thus, it is critical to have these two outlets closed,” he added. Dr Nataraj had promised the residents that their demand will be fulfilled, as he had asked the remaining TASMAC shops to be included in the 500 outlets which will be shut down, as promised by Chief Minister E K Palanisamy. Reaching out to the residents through social media, the MLA wrote, “I have also sent a report and requested the government to close three other TASMAC shops, including two located side by side near the Mylapore Railway station… Poor people in slum board tenements are affected and they have been repeatedly sending representations seeking the closure of the shops. I will do my best to ensure Mylapore in TASMAC free.”