For nearly a decade now, residents of Kolathur have been fighting for improvement of infrastructure in their locality. With development works yet to be implemented, they fear that the land allotted for infrastructure of various departments may become easy prey for encroachment.
Residents of Venus Nagar recalled that land measuring nearly 70,000 sq.ft. at Sri Ganesh Nagar was allotted to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Chennai Metrowater and the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department several years ago.
However, as work has not been carried out to improve infrastructure in the localities, residents are still affected by issues related to sewage disposal and power outages.
T. Sudarsanam, secretary of G.J.V.Nagar Residents Welfare Association, Kolathur, said: “We are still waiting for sewer lines to be laid even though the neighbouring areas have the network. There are instances when sewage is let out on to the streets.”
As the land remains unused for several years now, residents alleged that it was rented out as parking space by a local politician. “We later submitted a representation to the Kolathur MLA and the issue was resolved. However, it is still facing the threat of being encroached upon or illegally sold for commercial purposes,” he said.
Facilities proposed
Residents noted that the space was earmarked for a sewage pumping station, an electricity substation and a government hostel.
They demanded that the land must be fenced and a board must be put up to clearly identify it belongs to the various government departments so that people would not be cheated by real estate brokers.
As the zone comprises several fast-developing areas, there is a need to establish an electricity sub-station to prevent low voltage in the locality. Some areas, including Madhanangkuppam and Collector Nagar, undergo power cuts almost every day. A senior official of a Tangedco said there was a proposal to build a 230 kv substation in the vacant space earmarked for the department. Similarly, Chennai Metrowater is also preparing an estimate to construct a sewage pumping station in the site.
