Tahsildar sits with protesters, ensures razing of illegal structure

The Tahsildar was informed by the public about the increasing water levels in their areas left the spot only 2 am on Thursday only after a private property built in encroachment was razed by Chennai Corporation officials.

Though it was merged with Greater Chennai Corporation in 2010, Madhavaram is yet to get the storm water drains, which has resulted in flooding at more than six residential localities, including Kamaraj Nagar, Bhuvaneswari Nagar, Chinnasamy Nagar and New Anna Nagar coming under ward 19 in Madhavaram zone.

According to police sources, residents of Madhavaram and Manali conducted a meeting earlier this week and submitted petition to the Revenue officials seeking a solution for frequent waterlogging.

“The Tahsildar was keen on demolishing the illegal structures that were obstructing the flow of water. We had to give her protection till late last night while the pressure mounted from the property owner and his lawyers throughout the day,” said a police source.

“When we reached the Tahsildar office to complain about waterlogging, we were dejected to learn that Tahsildar Neela was transferred. But the official was so helpful that she spent almost a day to bring relief to about 200 families in the locality,” said T Aruna Giri, a member of Mathur- Madharavam Residents’ Welfare Federation.

The Executive Engineer of the Corporation has assured to lay roads and storm water drains in some of the disputed spots that are now under private possession, he said, adding: “We hope that the Revenue and Corporation officials would bring a permanent solution for our locality that is flood prone.”