The twin localities of Chepauk and Triplicane, which were merged as a single Assembly segment following the delimitation exercise in 2008, probably reflect the sorry state of planning in the city.
Crumbling basic infrastructure, lack of sanitation for several hundred families, haphazard construction of buildings that have violated every planning norm possible, power outages, inadequate water supply and overflowing garbage bins and sewers mark this constituency despite its proximity to the seat of power and governance. Regarded as an important brick in the fortress of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) — which is Chennai — the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has not won here even once (since 1977 as per Election Commission of India’s data).
However, its then ally, the Congress won in 1991. Former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi has represented Chepauk three times in the Assembly, twice as Chief Minister.
“This has not helped us though. Even today, we have to struggle for water. Traders are worst-hit as power goes off regularly during the evening business hours,” said A. K. Balasubramanian of Appavoo Street.
Building violations
Traditional and elegant houses are making way for cramped commercial buildings, especially mansions.
“There is simply no regulation. The width of streets shrunk from 20 feet to 15 feet some years ago. Now they are less than 12 feet,” said R. Sundar, who owns an indigenous medical store in Zam Bazaar. “We have not interacted with any of the elected representatives in the last five years. Nothing has been done to solve the problems at Bharathi Salai and Triplicane High Road intersection,” he said.
While the focus of building violations has mostly been in George Town area, the town planning authorities have done little to prevent illegal construction in Triplicane and Chepauk.
“Elections change nothing. I am 36 years old and everything has remained mostly the same. Pollution, dust and garbage have increased and the ‘kaalvai’ (Buckingham Canal) has become dirtier. The only thing that shines in our midst is ‘Beach Road’ (Kamarajar Salai),” said E. Gnanavel (36) a fisherman at Ayodhyakuppam.
Things are no different in Chintadripet and Pudupettai, areas which also come under this constituency.
“Nothing has been done to mitigate the suffering of people living along Cooum. There are not enough schools, hospitals or even public toilets,” said R. Palani of Komaleeswaranpettai.
According to him, the State government had not even considered the demand for either ‘pattas’ (land ownership document) or in-situ alternate housing (homes at the same spot).
Voters said public health and sanitation were a challenge all over the constituency. Market areas in Zam Bazaar, Chintadripet and Triplicane were a real mess, overflowing with filth, with no sign of any scheme to streamline them, they pointed out.
