The Chennai South constituency, which encompasses both the old as well as the newer parts of the city, has concerns ranging from the need for better access to civic amenities to the implementation of larger projects such as the effective conservation of the Pallikaranai marshland.
The marshland has found a place in the manifestos of all political parties.
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“Over 2,300 tonnes of garbage from across the constituency is being dumped on a daily basis. The surplus from 18 lakes in the surrounding areas flows into the marsh and the toxic waste dumped here has severely impacted groundwater in several surrounding areas,” said S. Kumararaja, Convenor of the Save Pallikaranai Forum.
He said that it had been a long-standing demand to classify the entire marshland as a protected forest area, which would in turn ensure that projects related to solid waste management and water management get implemented effectively.
S. Gayathri, a resident of Velachery, said with garbage being burnt at the Perungudi dumpyard, the smoke often gets carried to residential areas nearby, raising concerns of pollution.
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“While the residents of the constituency too have an important part in ensuring that they take steps towards segregation, infrastructural facilities such as composting yards, solid waste management plants and vehicles for doorstep collection among others need to be created for effective implementation. Segregation alone can also reduce the garbage dumped by 70%,” Mr. Kumararaja added.
Be it in the extended parts of the city such as Perungudi or areas such as T. Nagar, the plea for better civic amenities remains the same. A board in front of V.S. Jayaraman, founder of the T. Nagar Residents Welfare Association, reads: ‘No water, no vote. We vote for NOTA’ and goes on to call the Smart City project a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“Water scarcity here is grave and the Smart City project was supposed to ensure 24-hour supply, which hasn’t taken shape. The drainage system here is very old despite the fact that the population in these areas has increased considerably over the years,” he explained.
On the commercial hub — Usman Road, Pondy Bazaar and surrounding areas — Mr. Jayaraman pointed out that the number of encroachments had grown rapidly and building violations were rampant with no regard for fire safety.
“Nothing has been done to address the concerns of pedestrians and there are absolutely no footpaths in sight as well. How can this be called a ‘smart’ area or a city,” he said.
The story is no different in areas such as Perungudi, Shollinganallur and Thoraipakkam, say residents. “We’ve had a long wait for the supply of Metrowater and proper drainage facilities. There is lack of basic services for many residents here despite being taxpayers,” pointed out P. Sajeevan from the Kamaraj Nagar Residents Association in Perungudi.
Members of the Federation of OMR Residents Association (FOMRRA) have also raised questions about the increasing traffic jams, toll charges and availability of piped-water connections.
Among his poll promises, AIADMK candidate J. Jayavardhan has promised that he will be continuing his efforts towards better availability of water with additional desalination plants.
Conservation of the Pallikaranai marshland and easing traffic congestion are the key areas of focus for DMK candidate Tamizhachi Thangapandian.
Former Law Minister Esakki Subbaiah, who is contesting from AMMK, said their focus would be on improving basic amenities. Maakkal Needhi Maiam's candidate, R.Rangarajan, a former IAS officer, has promised better drinking water supply and restoration of water bodies.