Rain, shoddy SWD works irk T Nagar residents

CHENNAI: The residents of T Nagar are infuriated by the condition of their locality, especially during sudden and intense rainfall. The residents and commuters tell DT Next about the ordeal of living in the area with shoddy and dug out roads due to Storm Water Drain (SWD) construction and water stagnation within a few minutes of downpour.

Kannan Balachandran, resident of Rangan Street and secretary of T Nagar Resident Welfare Association (TNRWA) said, “The construction of SWD is no doubt done in an unplanned and inefficient manner. There seems to be a lack of coordination between departments in doing the work.”

Kannan claims that as the Rangan Street is fully blocked due to SWD work, the entry point to his house is either through the Usman Road service lane or Rameswaram Road. But, he says, the narrow service road is mostly occupied by hawkers and Rameswaram Road is also dug out for SWD work.

“Currently, driving through Chennai roads seems like a nightmare for drivers. Gradually, I realise, I have lost my rights as a resident. I have written to the commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and also traffic commissioner on the condition, but no response so far,” explained an infuriated Kannan.

Meanwhile, Kannan also pointed out that the department has failed to place barricades near the SWD work site at Rameswaram Road. He says there is no signboard to even alert the commuters. “During rainfall, there is a possibility of a rider falling into the open SWD pit with no barricades. Such negligence could lead to fatality too,” he added.

Meanwhile, VS Jayaraman, resident of Motilal Street for 35 years and TNRWA member, spoke about the elevated height of SWDs.

“The height of SWD has been increased. And it is natural that the height of roads also will be elevated while laying new roads. This will ultimately push the nearby houses and buildings further down, leading to water stagnation during rainfall,” Jayaraman explained.

He further questioned why such aspects were not considered by the Corporation. “If GCC has a real solution and plan, we welcome them to explain it to us,”added Jayaraman. There was no response from officials when contacted.