Tiruvottiyur residents demand flood and pollution controls

Residents of Tiruvottiyur have called for measures to prevent flooding, control industrial pollution and improve basic services in the north Chennai area. The demands were raised at the Tiruvottiyur Makkal Sangamam, a public grievances meeting organised by the Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Associations and the Village Coordination Committee at Kamarajar Mandapam in Ernavoor on Sunday. Residents sought the raising and strengthening of both banks of the Buckingham Canal by one metre.

They also called for action to stop industrial wastewater and ash from thermal power plants entering the canal and Ennore estuary. Other proposals included deepening and widening the Ennore estuary to help Kosasthalaiyar river water flow into the sea. The residents also sought continuous monitoring of air, water and soil quality, along with transparent publication of the results and action against industries that breach pollution-control rules.

Association president T.K. Shanmugam called for regular drinking-water supplies, underground sewer connections and integrated stormwater drains. Residents also requested an extension of the Metrorail system to Ennore and completion of the Annamalai Nagar–Wimco railway subway.

The group sought more playgrounds and gymnasiums, as well as a self-certification system for individual houses of up to 3,000 square feet, excluding multi-storey buildings. Land and housing issues were also raised. Residents asked for pattas for eligible long-term occupants of government and temple lands while protecting water bodies and catchment areas.

They also sought sale deeds for people who had paid for houses built by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board.