Most of the schools in George Town are located in Ward 56 of Greater Chennai Corporation covering the neighbourhoods of Muthialpet around Barathi Women’s College, Broadway. The encroachments on roads there even prevent access to the schools.
More than 10 schools, including St. Gabriel Higher Secondary School, Francis Xavier School and St. Anne’s Higher Secondary School, attract a large number of students from various parts of the central business district and north Chennai.
“We have requested authorities to remove encroachments on roads near schools. But the encroachments keep increasing every month. Our children are unable to walk to school,” said a resident of St. Xavier Street.
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Many residents claimed that the encroachers were threatening those who submit petitions to government authorities. Heritage buildings and tourist attractions such as Maadi Poonga near the Harbour have also played a key role in civic conditions of the ward. The ward has a large floating population, including tourists and merchants.
Citizens from countries such as Sri Lanka visit streets such as Coral Merchant Street for its handicrafts and handloom. School bags are manufactured in units located on Pidariyar Koil Street. A handloom lungi export hub in Coral Merchant Street is also famous in the ward.
Residents report civic problems such as power supply disruption, encroachments on roads, damaged EB junction boxes, sewage overflow, insufficient drinking water and garbage.
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Corporation Councillor Subash Chandra Bose of DMK said various line agencies were expected to complete more civic infrastructure development works because of the new DMK Member of Legislative Assembly. “On Monday, power supply was disrupted in most of the areas in the ward. A large number of residents complained. But officials did not respond,” said Mr. Bose.