In an effort to ensure free flow of water in the Adyar river, the Water Resources Department has written to the Highways Department to dismantle the causeway below the Ekattuthangal bridge.
The causeway is used as a short route to escape traffic on the bridge to reach areas such as West Jaffarkhanpet and Kalaimagal Nagar, particularly during rush hour. While residents want the causeway to be protected with a parapet wall to prevent accidents, the WRD has been advocating for its demolition as the causeway contributed to flooding in the neighbourhood.
Officials said the width of the river had shrunk by about 30 m in the stretch near Kasi theatre.
“We are unable to build flood banks because of the causeway. As the structure obstructs the free flow of water, areas upstream, such as Jaffarkhanpet, Kalaimagal Nagar and Defence Colony, face the threat of inundation during the northeast monsoon. We have been periodically representing the issue to the Highways Department,” an official said.
The river’s carrying capacity is reduced to 35,000 cusecs near the stretch. In the absence of flood banks, floodwater spills over to the neighbouring areas. While the Water Resources Department wants to widen the portion of the river to its original width of 110 m, the Highways Department is hesitant to demolish the causeway as it helps in easing traffic congestion.
Complaints unaddressed
Some of the long-pending complaints of the residents, such as poor illumination and unsafe conditions, are yet to be addressed.
G. Selva, CPI (M) area secretary, Virugambakkam, said motorists take the risk of travelling on the poorly-lit causeway at night.
Several vehicles face the threat of falling into the river as the structure does not have a parapet wall. He recalled that several people, including a journalist who tripped and fell into the river early this year, had lost their lives.
Mr. Selva also demanded the removal of commercial establishments encroaching the river bed near West Jaffarkhanpet. Residents and experts must be consulted before demolishing the causeway for a proper solution to the flooding issue, he said. Residents suggested that a high-level bridge could be built across the river, a little away from the Ekkaduthangal bridge to resolve the issue.
