Corporation councillors on Saturday alleged that encroachment by the Army near Officers Training Academy affected civic services for residents.
Ward 157 councillor M. Pandian said access to Harijan burial ground at Manapakkam in Alandur zone was restricted because of denial of permission by the Army.
“Residents are unable to bury the dead. They are subject to much hardship,” said Mr. Pandian.
Responding to the query, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said the burial ground was located in survey no.239, 215, 216/1 in Manapakkam Village. “The council had passed a resolution requesting transfer of poromboke land in survey number 237 and 238/2 for developing a road for the burial ground,” said Mr. Duraisamy.
“After the Army denied access to the burial ground, reports relating to law and order problems were sent by the police. Officials of the Revenue Department have studied all aspects of the problem. They have found that the land belonged to the State government. But the Army constructed a compound wall in 2012 citing security concerns. As a result, residents are denied access,” said Mr. Duraisamy.
The Greater Chennai Corporation, in a letter dated June 7, 2016, requested the Kancheepuram district administration to develop a road in the land for the residents. At the meeting held on July 4, 2016, Kancheepuram District Collector asked the Army not to prevent access to the facility.
However, Army officials claimed that they would remove the wall only after the State government gave 35 acres of land in lieu of another parcel of defence land used for the Chennai airport 20 years ago.
Responding to the Army officials, the Collector said the right to have access to the burial ground should not be denied by any authorities.
Access to burial ground at Manapakkam restricted, says
councillor
