Sometimes, vacant plots are anything but vacant. This observation will have residents of Vanniyar Street nodding in agreement.
A vacant plot at the intersection of Arcot Road and Vanniyar Street in Virugambakkam is a blight on the landscape, as it has been turned into a dumping ground. Construction debris and everyday garbage seem to be vying for space. The pile-up of waste is however no deterrent to drivers of maxi cabs and share autorickshaws, who park their vehicles at the plot. Lorry drivers also join in. After unloading their goods at the Container Freight Station, lorry drivers park their vehicles at this plot, located around 100 metres away. These lorries are not allowed to be parked on the premises of the freight station until the loading of goods next day; and so, the drivers have turned the plot into a convenient parking space.
Vanniyar Street connects Chinmiya Nagar, Virugambakkam, K.K. Nagar, Nesapakkam, MGR Nagar and Alwarthirunagar via Arcot Road. As a result, it witnesses heavy traffic and when lorries enter and exit the property, which is located on the ‘S’ bend of the intersection, the risk of accidents increases. The piece of land is also used as a public toilet. There are other unsavoury goings-on at the plot, especially at night.
With streetlights having been vandalised by miscreants, there is enough dark at night for anti-socials hang around the place.
“The property is being misused. It is essential that a compound is build around it,” says K. Priya, a resident of Virugambakkam.
“We will take necessary steps to fence the plot and collect the expenses from the owner of the property,” says a Corporation official.
