In the last five years, Tiruvottiyur constituency has seen several improvements on the civic front, and the expansion of the Chennai Corporation limits is believed to have contributed to this development. The residents, however, think more needs to be done.
Tiruvottiyur, one of the oldest localities in the northern section of the city, was lagging in development until it was taken over by the Corporation.
The constituency consisting of Kathivakkam, Tiruvottiyur, Manali and Chinnasekkadu. T. Soundarapandian, a resident of Ellaiamman Koil Street in Tiruvottiyur, believes Tiruvottiyur’s merger with the civic body has led to the great gains for the region, including good roads, a sewage network and a better grievance redressal mechanism vis-à-vis civic issues.
But, the residents of constituency are not without any complaints. A long-pending demand of an overbridge replacing the level-crossing at Mattu Mandhai in Tiruvottiyur remains unfulfilled. M. Arputharaj, a resident of Manali, said that as a result of the delay in the construction of the overbridge, residents found it difficult to travel between Tiruvottiyur and Manali. Motorists were forced to take a detour via Tondiarpet or Manali High Road to reach their destinations, he added.
Residents of Tiruvottiyur, Manali and Kathivakkam said bus connectivity was poor.
The constituency has a long shoreline that is dotted with fishermen colonies. The residents of these areas want steps to be taken prevent sea erosion.
The main fight in the constituency is between the AIADMK represented by B. Paulraj, who has been nominated in place of sitting MLA K. Kuppan, and former Fisheries Minister and DMK strongman in north Chennai K.P.P. Samy.
