Latest news with #MBalakrishnan
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
GCC is yet to remove encroachments, debris
Chennai: Madras high court has ordered removal of encroachments and debris that block water flow during the monsoon near the six-vent culvert at Velachery by June 12, but Greater Chennai Corporation is yet to begin work. Residents are opposing the proposed eco-park project near the culvert, fearing it will block the flow of excess rainwater from residential areas and cause waterlogging on streets. Earlier, GCC removed some of the encroachments that disrupted the free flow of water during the northeast monsoon. However, it failed to remove the debris, and many encroachments reappeared in recent years. During the 2024 monsoon, nearby residential areas received 7cm of rain that formed a pond in front of the culvert and caused flooding. In response to a petition filed by the Residents' Welfare Association, the court in April directed GCC to remove the encroachments and submit a report on the number identified and notices issued to them. "It has been two months. Neither the local body nor the tahsildar inspected the site or took steps to clear the dumped debris and encroachments. Instead, the civic body deposited a huge pile of sand to prepare for the eco-park," says Velachery-based Tansi Nagar Residents' Welfare Association general secretary M Balakrishnan. "The beautification will obstruct the free flow of excess rainwater from residential areas during the monsoon season." Residents say the proposed eco-park near the six-vent culvert will not benefit them. "Instead of spending a large sum on this project, GCC should construct another six-vent culvert here to prevent flooding," says J Kamalanathan, another resident of Velachery. Adyar zonal officer Haritn Rosario says the tahsildar is identifying encroachments near the culvert. GCC will work to remove the illegal structures, he said. The official also noted that penalties and legal action have been initiated against those dumping construction debris and waste."
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Foot overbridge at Taramani beset by misuse, neglect
Chennai: The foot over-bridge on Taramani Link Road in Velachery has turned into a hub for illegal activity and is hardly used to cross the main road, residents say. Opened to the public in 2014, the overbridge near Baby Nagar was aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and serving as a link for those navigating the busy road, especially near IT hubs and residential areas. The bridge, spanning almost 50 metres, connects Baby Nagar on both sides of the road and also provides access to Perungudi MRTS railway station. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai However, only about 5% of residents use it. Many cross the main road directly to reach the railway station. "Initially, when the overbridge was constructed, it was well utilised. Now, many just walk across the main road. At night, men consume alcohol and narcotics on the bridge," said M Balakrishnan, general secretary of the Residents' Welfare Association at Tansi Nagar, Velachery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List People have stopped using it even during the daytime. Since it is one of the least crowded areas, locals asked authorities to remove the foot overbridge and instead construct one near Vijayanagar Junction. "There are commercial buildings and residential areas near Vijayanagar bus stand. An overbridge there has been a long-pending request. We have got no response from govt so far. A bridge will help residents of Ram Nagar, Vijaya Nagar, and Tansi Nagar," said Punitha Rajesh of Ram Nagar in Velachery. Haritn Rosario, Adyar Zonal Officer, said the zonal committee chairman raised a request to renovate the foot overbridge under the Mayor's Development Fund. However, since the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the state highways department, the corporation cannot carry out the work, he said.
