Citizen Connect: Gaping hole on storm water structure drains taxpayers’ money in Chromepet

Complaining that the local body has acted only under the pressure from the public, Ramanujam, a resident of Chromepet remarked, “The authorities never wanted to find a permanent solution to the waterlogging issue in the neighbourhood and with this being the case, we are going to suffer even after a brief spell of rain. Taxpayers’ money is literally being washed away in the drains.”

It can be recalled that the neighbourhood was affected the worst during the floods that hit the city in 2015 even though the Pallavaram Municipality had constructed new storm water drains at various locations in the past few years alone. Residents are unhappy over the lack of quality of the storm water drains.

The huge hole on the slab of the storm water drain near a turning on the stretch further accentuates the concerns of the residents as it may cause passers-by to fall into the drain. “Pedestrians’ lives are at risk as they could fail to spot the gaping hole on the drain structure after nightfall. The civic body must repair the structure as early as possible,” said another resident

Besides this, inundation is another problem in the neighborhood, given the presence of nearly four lakes that have been witnessing rampant encroachments. “The link between these lakes is reportedly missing as concrete structures were built on top of it. It is tough to reclaim the space and restore the links. Storm water drains are the only alternative to address the situation. If the authorities are showing a lackadaisical approach, then it is not likely that the structure will withstand heavy floods.”

An official attached to the Pallavaram Municipality said, “The fault in the structure can be comprehended only after conducting a preliminary enquiry. However, we will take the required steps to resolve the situation.”