Collapse of manhole triggers all-round problems in T. Nagar

Potholes and overflow of sewage are causing much trouble to residents and motorists on North Boag Road and Dr. Narasimhan Road in T. Nagar.

For most part of the day, there is a pile-up of vehicles around one particular spot on Dr. Narashiman Road.

During last year’s floods, a manhole had collapsed, resulting in overflow of sewage and this problem is yet to be solved.

Residents here said the road had been in state of disrepair for months and that it worsened after the manhole collapsed. “Over the last month, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board staff have visited the spot, pumped out excess water and levelled the area around the manhole.

But the problem of sewage overflow persists,” said Manikandan, manager of an Ayurvedic store on Dr. Narasimhan Road, opposite the spot.

For Alagappan and Sozhi, who own a mobile ironing cart, the stench of the sewage overflow forced them to shift to different locations on the same stretch every day.

It is a risk for students of Anjuman School too. “Our school gate is situated very close to the manhole. I am forced to cycle on the pavement to avoid accidents,” said Adeep, a class XII student.

Metrowater officials said they had immediately barricaded the area around the manhole after it collapsed. “We will solve the problem completely in a few days,” officials said.

A Chennai Corporation official said that road-laying work on the 850-metre stretch of North Boag Road and Dr. Narashiman Road had already begun and that it would be finished soon.