Citizen Connect: Pavement becomes storeroom for construction material shop

A resident on Puliyur Main Road said that the shop is located on nearby Sixth Cross Street and due to lack of space, the shop owner is using the pavement. “As the M-sand is being stored on the pavement and the road, two-wheeler riders are in danger due to skidding,” the resident said.

Apart from encroaching the pavement on Puliyur Main Road, the concerned shopowner has also dumped construction material on the nearby Fourth Cross Street opposite Aavin milk booth.

When DT Next visited the spot, a load-auto was seen loading gravel chips. “Whenever the shop gets orders for sand or gravel chips, they will come and take them. Otherwise, they lie on the road all the time,” the resident added.

Even though Trust Puram playground, one of the major landmarks in the Kodambakkam area, is located on Fourth Cross Street and several residents use the street for morning walks and jog, the civic officials are yet to act against the persons storing construction materials on road.

“Many youngsters coming to the ground on bicycles and motorcycles are put in danger as sand and gravel are spread all over the street near the corner. As we know the state of the street, we are managing to avoid mishaps. But others would fall while taking a turn to Fourth Cross Street. The Corporation officials should take action to remove the construction materials and free the road for public use,” another resident urged.

According to civic body rules, storing construction materials on roads while construction works are underway is an offence and would attract a penalty. Even the civic body could revoke the building plan approval issued for constructing the building.

When contacted, a Chennai Corporation official said that action would be taken to remove sand and gravel chips on the road. “We are taking action against building owners who are storing construction materials on the roads,” he added.