For those walking on the roads of Ward 115 that covers partly Triplicane and partly Royapettah, there is no choice but to navigate through fast-moving, honking vehicles as parked four and two-wheelers occupy the walkways on both sides of the roads.
Congestion, residents say, is a major problem.
G. Rehana, who frequently visits her relative on Gaffoor Street , said walking amidst traffic was a risky affair here. Also motorcycles lined on both sides of the narrow stretch make it difficult for vehicles to enter the street. Dr. Besant Road lined up with commercial establishments is another case in point. Kishwar Y., who often walks her son back from school on this road, said congestion was a major problem here. Vehicles parked on both sides of the road leave little space for pedestrians, she charges. School children and delivery boys of a cooking gas company are forced to weave their way amidst vehicles (including buses). In Royapettah, ROB Street, opposite New College too, is in a pitiable condition. “It is always congested with parked two-wheelers along the entire stretch,” said Ubaidur Rehman, a former professor at the college.
Among other issues, which residents of this Ward deal with regularly, are water logging and noise pollution. The entire area is gradually turning more chaotic, a resident complained.
AIADMK councillor D. Vijayaramakrishna admits that parking is definitely a major problem in the area.
“There are so many commercial establishments, including eateries here. Not only owners but customers also end up parking on the roadside. At times they encroach on the pavements too. Around two years ago, we tried to restrict vehicle parking to one side of Dr. Besant Road. The system did work but unfortunately it lasted for just three months. Slowly people began to park on both sides of the road. It would be better if this road was made one way,” he said.
As regards monsoon measures, all storm water drains are being de-silted. Fumigation for mosquitoes was also being done every week, he said.
