Citizen Connect: Construction debris, protracted garbage bins impede traffic in Choolaimedu

“The garbage bins are creating a nuisance to the pedestrians and motorists blocking the free flow of traffic on the road. Adding to the woes, the location is very near to the ‘T’ junction where Periyar Pathai, Bajanai Koil Street and Sivan Koil Street meet. These are major interior roads connecting the locality to arterial roads,” M Vishnupriya, a resident said.

The construction waste dumped around the bins force the conservancy workers to leave the bin on the road.  Apart from construction waste, Chennai Corporation staff have also dumped the unused and damaged manholes of stormwater drain near the bin. “Due to this, the road has shrunk and pedestrians have to be cautious when crossing the garbage bins,” she added.

During peak hours, several cars use this street to avoid the main road traffic. The road connects Choolaimedu, Arumbakkam and Kodambakkam. Sivan Koil Street and Vanniyar Street are narrow creating bottleneck near their junction. Vehicles are stuck for at least 15 minutes there. Now, the garbage bins encroaching the roads have created another bottleneck, M Vimal, a motorist said.

He added that the haphazard parking near the garbage bins also adds to the difficulties of motorists. “The Corporation officials should act immediately and clear the construction waste around the bins and push them away from hindering the vehicle movement. I see many women struggling to cross the spot where bins are located,” he said.

When DT Next visited the spot on Thursday, waste was cleared from the garbage bind and bleaching powder strewn near them to prevent stink. But, the construction waste and electronic materials from nearby mechanic shops were still there, making the street narrower.

When contacted a Chennai Corporation official, he said that the civic body would take action to remove the construction waste and to move the garbage bins. “We will also prevent perpetrators from dumping the construction waste,” he added.