Citizen Connect: Gaping hole on storm water drain in front of PDS shop in Chinna Kanchi puts public at risk

The residents of Periyar Nagar in Chinna Kancheepuram are facing the risk of suffering serious injuries, as the storm water drain (SWD) right in front of the Public Distribution System (PDS) shop there has been damaged. 

Those who come to the ration shop say they not only have to be extra careful to ensure that they do not fall inside, but also have to deal with stench and mosquito menace as the drain is actually carrying sewage.

Located on Govindaraj Street at Periyar Nagar in Chinna Kancheepuram, a portion of the drain that was constructed right in front of the shop had caved in, leaving a gaping hole. As the authorities have not taken any steps to close it, it poses grave danger for those coming to the shop, especially during late hours.

After the drain caved in front of the shop, the people here had requested the Municipality to repair it. However, the residents added, no action has been taken so far by the civic officials.

Dinesh, a resident of Chinna Kancheepuram, claimed that even though the drain had caved in a few months ago, the local body officials were yet to repair it. In the absence of underground drainage network in the area, many residents have connected the sewer lines from their homes to the drain, he added.

Due to this, those coming to the PDS shop to purchase essential commodities have to put up with the stench emanating from the open sewer, besides running into the risk of falling inside if they are not careful. 

They also complained the place became a breeding spot for mosquitoes.

Murugan, another resident of the locality, said that despite the residents visiting the Municipality officials several times in the past to request them to take steps to repair the drainage, there has been no action taken so far. 

“As there is no use going back to the Municipality officials, the people here tried to close the drainage by themselves. But they could not do that properly,” he said.

When contacted, a Chinna Kancheepuram Municipal official said, “We are working on repairing the drain and it would be done soon. Also, those people who have connected their sewage line to the drain would be identified and action would be taken on them.”