At the entry points to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, barricades have been replaced by metal gates. Kapaleecharam and the Mylapore Residents’ Welfare Association have opted for this arrangement with the objective of promoting pedestrianisation of the stretch outside the temple. The gates, placed at two points on Ponnumbala Vadhyar Street, remain locked, thereby preventing the entry of four-wheelers.
One gate has been placed near the temple’s footwear stand off South Mada Street, and the other, near Ambika Departmental Stores off North Mada Street.
Although the gates are supposed to prevent motorists from using the lanes, one can still see people squeezing in through the gaps.
The cement bollards offer enough space for a scooterist to sneak his way through. Also, autorickshaw drivers enter through Sanithi Street comfortably and drop people right outside the temple.
Good response
Vendors and residents, however, view the new arrangement as a success.
“When cars could come into this street, heavy traffic jams would happen. During the Pournami festival idol processions, cars used to block the way and the chariot carrying the idol would be stuck on the road. Police jeeps that would come to clear the traffic jam would often end up contributing to it. Motorcyclists still manage to enter this stretch, but this is not much of a problem,” said a flower vendor, who has been here for the last 10 years.
These gates, installed around 10 days ago, have been approved by the local police and Corporation authorities. Deputy Commissioner of Mylapore Saravana Kumar said the suggestion to replace the cement bollards with steel barricades with chains was being studied.
He said this would deter motorcyclists from entering the pedestrian-friendly zone.
“Response from the public has been positive so far. As the stretch will no longer be crowed, incidents of chain snatching, pick-pocketing and eve-teasing can be expected to come down. And, there will be more space for people to walk,” he added.
