CHENNAI: After parts of Ward 134 were affected by the floods in December, residents there have been concerned about whether the infrastructure in place could prevent further flooding.
Stating that the newer buildings had been constructed above the level of the road, a resident of Rangarajapuram which was one of the areas which were among the worst affected said that many of the older houses and apartments were at risk.
The civic amenities are however being given a fillip to ensure that there is no flooding, said Councillor M. Manickam, who is also the Chairman of Zone 10.
The councillor had raised the issue during the council meeting in June where he had stated that many residents in the ward had struggled with the flooding and had asked for the storm water drains in the area to be repaired and de-silted.
“In ward 134 alone in this zone, storm water drains in nearly 75 streets are being repaired. At present, de-silting works are being carried out at parts of Rangarajapuram, Aziz Nagar and NSK Salai,” he added.
S. Gopi, from the Subramaniya Nagar Civic and Neighbourhood Welfare Association said that while Subramania Nagar had been badly affected during the rains, the newly-renovated storm water channel had given them reassurance.
While the councillor has been working towards making a few of the overhead electricity lines as underground connections, Mr Gopi said that there was an immediate need to ensure that Electricity pillar boxes in the area should be shifted to an elevated height as well.
The ward is also one of the better wards in providing accessibility to represent grievances as well as improving facilities offered by the corporation.
“The councillor has been accessible and we have been able to represent our grievances periodically. The renovation of the Anna Park which had been dilapidated for a long time was welcomed among many of us in the area,” said V. Kesavan, a resident. A corporation official further added that a gym in CRP Garden was being renovated and equipped with new machines which will soon be ready for use by the public.
Councillor Mr Manickam said that they were also focussing on laying footpaths across areas which had a steady flow of traffic.
