Like many constituencies in North Chennai, the bulk of the electorate of Thiru.Vi. Ka Nagar (reserved) constituency comprises families belonging to the low income group.
Residents here complain that despite promises from successive elected representatives from different political parties, the locality is plagued by problems pertaining to sanitation, water supply, drainage, crime and traffic.
Comprising seven wards, (70 to 76) of Greater Chennai Corporation, the Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar constituency that was formed after the delimitation exercise has many slums. During the 2011 elections, the residents voted in favour of V. Neelakandan of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) over Indian National Congress’ C. Natesan. This time, Mr. Neelakandan is contesting against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s Thayagam Kavi. The other contestants include Pattali Makkal Katchi’s Vanithamani and P. Suganthi of Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Another major problem faced by residents here is the lack of sanitation. “A large number of people in this area live in Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) tenements or huts. However there are no proper toilets, especially for women. Very often, sewage overflow and leakage in the sewer and drinking water lines results in contamination,” said E.D. Elango, co-ordinator of Thevai Iyyakam, a non- governmental organisation.
Heavy traffic is another long-pending problem. “One cannot get past the bridge at Otteri easily. It takes at least 15 minutes to do so due to the heavy traffic. Ideally, the road should be widened after removing encroachments on both sides. No government has done this,” said Mohan, who runs a shop near the junction.
Residents also complain about the free availability of narcotics.
“Ganja is available easily. Many youngsters consume liquor and smoke ganja in public. It is a big headache for residents, especially women,” explained Mr. Elango.
