The local body election campaign of 142 candidates in 14 wards of Tiruvottiyur zone has gained momentum with door-to-door campaigning and mass rallies. Around 2.42 lakh residents in 14 wards of Tiruvottiyur zone covering the northern parts of the city have reported several civic issues during the election campaign, including polluting industrial units and thermal power plants in eco-sensitive areas such as Ennore .
Civil issues include industrial pollution, flooding in the Kosthaliyar Basin, inadequate stormwater drainage network, sewer network, water supply, public health problems and poor delivery of services in government offices.
important issues
- floods in low-lying areas during monsoon
- industrial pollution
- inadequate housing for the poor
- Lack of playgrounds and entertainment venues
- inadequate public health infrastructure
- Lack of connectivity to metro rail stations
Residents stressed on the need for early completion of Theradi Metro Station to improve the last mile connectivity and connectivity to the Metro stations.
The Greater Chennai Corporation is to take the initiative to develop non-motorized transport facilities to improve metro rail connectivity in areas such as Wimco Nagar.
Tiruvottiyur resident C. Sivakumar said that the time taken by the corporation to provide civic services has increased over the years and residents expect the new councilors to play a vital role in expediting the process. “I had submitted an application to change my name in the property tax database. The officials changed the name in the database only after two months. Once the councilors are elected, residents can request them for speedy services,” said Mr. Shivakumar.
“During the pandemic, civic authorities imposed fines on various violations. This has affected the poor people and traders of the area. Poor people who did not have money were forced to pay fines. Many of them are angry,” Mr. Shivakumar said.
Tiruvottiyur Zone Ward 1 DMK candidate M. Shivakumar said 60% of the residents of the area are poor and need welfare assistance from the government. “We are surrounded by fertilizer industries, thermal power plants and major industries. Residents want to take more initiatives to improve solid waste management and reduce pollution. Said Mr. Shivakumar.
Ward 1 candidate of AIADMK K. Kannan said that many poor residents in areas like Ennore are unable to get a connection to the sewer network even after the completion of the Rs 84 crore underground drainage network. “The residents have demanded a change of the express beach at Thalankuppam with adequate space for walking and recreational facilities. Many residents have been injured due to traffic accidents near the beach,” Mr. Kannan said.
cause of flood
In Ward 12, Makkal Nidhi Mayyam’s candidate K. Sekar said that the wards in Tiruvottiyur area have become polluted due to industries. “New industries are being developed. The water level of the road has risen, leading to waterlogging during rains.
Ward 12 BJP candidate V. Harikrishnan said that many residents of areas like Kaladipet need the support of the authorities to get housing facilities under the PM Awas Yojana. “Most of the residents and street vendors are in need of welfare assistance under various schemes of the central government. The councilors of the Greater Chennai Corporation have a vital role to play in facilitating welfare assistance for such people in Tiruvottiyur zone,” said Mr. Harikrishnan.
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