Illegally-built wooden arch blocks traffic flow in Iyyapanthangal

CHENNAI: Illegally erected temporary arch in Iyyapanthangal has become an headache to the motorists as the structure blocks traffic flow for more than a month.

Senthil Kumar, a local activist, said that AN Elumalai Road (Oil Mill Road) in Iyyapanthangal is a major interior road in the locality as it connects Porur and Chennai Bypass Road.

“Motorists can reach from Porur to Chennai Bypass Road without crossing Kumananchavadi or Poonamallee. Several motorists use the short route, “ he added.

The wooden arch erected for a political party function more than a month ago still stays put as neither the concerned party nor the Iyyapanthangal Village Panchayat administration has shown intentions to remove it.

Senthil Kumar urged the local body officials to take immediate measures to remove the structure.

“Originally, the road is more than 50 feet wide. But width of the road has come down below 40 feet. At the entry point (from Mount-Poonamallee Road) the width is around 20 feet only. This is due to encroachments. There is also a Aavin booth that encroaches the road, ‘’ he said.

As the entry point has been made narrower, water lorries struggle to enter the road. Even two cars cannot enter and exit the road at same time. The road is important as the transport department operates a small bus.

Making the situation worse, the wooden arch is utilised by a local temple to tie banana trees as a decoration for a local festival.

“The officials should remove the arch before it becomes a permanent one, “ Senthil said.

When asked, a local civic official said that there is no public complaint till now. “However, steps will be taken to remove it,” he said.