Address traffic and garbage issues, say CM’s neighbours

Chennai: Better garbage collection and disposal by panchayats beyond Uthandi, curbing the burning of plastic waste, reducing groundwater contamination and addressing traffic issues. This is the wishlist of residents in areas adjoining East Coast Road (ECR), which has now turned into a VVIP neighbourhood after C Joseph Vijay took charge as chief minister.Completion of the ongoing underground drainage networks has become critical for locals in Neelankarai, Vettuvankeni and Injambakkam. "The work was completed in phases with the corporation and Metrowater working on it for years. A comprehensive policy has to be chalked out to build sewer networks along the entire stretch of ECR. Micro-composting plants have to be brought in too," said T K Rajan, a resident of Kapaleeswarar Nagar in Neelankarai."Panchayats beyond Uthandi do not have a proper garbage disposal mechanism. Garbage is burnt in these areas, while plastic waste gets carried into the sea, along Buckingham Canal and its sediments seep into the ground. The area needs environment-centric development," said Sushma Erevelles, a resident-activist.There is an urgent need to rethink traffic on ECR. "The stretch is meant to be a high-speed corridor, free of congestion. There are at least 12 signals between Thiruvanmiyur and Panaiyur. But several stretches are marred by encroachments from roadside vendors who leave little space for commuters. This needs to be addressed," said Venkat Rajaram, a resident of 11th Avenue on ECR.Some residents also bemoaned the cons of having a VIP neighbour. "We might have to sacrifice walking along Casuarina drive (which houses Vijay's residence) and a free entry/exit from the area," said V M K Gopal, treasurer, Marakkayar Nagar RWA, Neelankarai.