The R.A. Puram Residents’ Association met at Mahalakshmi Hall, Park View Road, on August 12 to discuss about the civic problems. Residents requested speedy action for problems such as incomplete storm water drain work at the junction of First Cross Street and Canal Bank Road; need for frequent flogging near the canal; improving lights in the bridge by the side of Mandaveli railway station; putting an end to unauthorised road side parking and cattle menace; and to allot a space for the association to conduct meetings. Drainage and water supply were the major problems faced by the residents. One of the residents complained about the drainage channel on the eastern part of the IV Main Road, which was often blocked. He also complained about the seepage of drainage water into the wells of some of the houses.
“The mechanical drainage cleaner is often pressed into service in front of Sangeetha Hotel to clean the blockage but the problem still persists. Similarly, manholes often overflow on the western part of IV Main Road,” he said.
As some of the residents faced water scarcity due to low pressure in the supply line, they suggested that supply can be restricted to once in two days with high pressure to enable the house at the tail end to get water. Many of the residents wanted restoration of a number of bus routes such as 3A, 5, 23B.
They also wanted 21G bus stop to be restored near the bridge. Rao and Hema, residents, spoke about the misuse of footpaths near the sangeetha junction and the sorry state of Krishnapuram Park.
Officials who attended the meet spelled out various measures to solve the problems. Health official Dr. Revathi said that periodical fogging and oil spraying along the canal bank to bring down the mosquito menace were being carried out. Corporation Assistant Commissioner, Sampath Kumar, suggested various measures for proper garbage collection. He said that residents were responsible for spilling garbage around the bins and introduction of door-to-door collection would bring a change in the locality. Mukund, Zonal Manager, Ramky, said that he would try to increase the night trips made by compactor lorries. When asked to address the issues T.N. Venkatesh, JC, Corporation of Chennai, said that they would try to reschedule the timing of the compactor lorries in order to avoid traffic jam during peak hours. Regarding issues related to storm water drains, mosquito menace and water supply, Mr. Venkatesh said that he would strive to implement speedy measures.
The association honoured 97 year-old S.N. Pai for combining community service and social thinking. Dr. K.P. Suresh Kumar, cardiologist, spoke about common cardiac ailments. He elaborated about the symptoms and treatment of heart attack. P.R. Subramanian, President of RAPRA, graced the occasion and the meeting was convened by Dr. Chandrasekaran.
