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NT Bureau
Chennai, Oct 9:

        Residents of Rajaji Nagar Main Road and other extension areas in Selayur say that the streetlights at the end of Camp Road stretch leading to the airmen's quarters are not functioning properly.

        As this dark stretch is also frequented by a lot of stray cattle and dogs at night, this causes trouble for senior citizens and commuters.

        Office-bearers of Rajaji Nagar Residents Welfare Association said that a stretch of Camp Road was taken over by the Tambaram Municipality for maintenance and upkeep under an agreement reached with the Air Force station.

        'A small stretch of the road leading to the airmen's quarters still remains under the control of the Air Force authorities,' they claimed. The three streetlights here are not maintained properly after the takeover process.

        'As the crammed road space (at the culvert point in front of a flour mill) is occupied by horses, cattle and donkeys in the comfort of darkness, residents find it very difficult to cross this stretch of road,' they said.

        After repeated representations, the authorities came forward to reactivate two of the streetlights, leaving the third as it is. Once the few shops down their shutters at around 9.30 pm this part is engulfed in darkness.

        'The third light point at the road culvert needs to be repaired.'

        Nambikkai Miranda of Rajai Nagar Association said that their efforts to reactivate a sodium vapour lamp at this place proved futile. 'Senior citizens having poor vision are the worst affected. They accidentally stumble on the animals here and are injured,' he said. Some portions of this locality come under the jurisdiction of Sembakkam Town Panchayat and other areas come under Tambaram Municipality. The residents want the authorities to take action.

        Women commuters:

        Residents expressed concern about the plight of women who pass through this stretch after finishing work at places like MEPZ and Tidel Park.

        Chain-snatching incidents have also been reported many a times from here. Women have been at the receiving end because of poor lighting and the presence of cattle which prevent free movement.

        Official reaction:

        When asked, E Mani, chairman, Tambaram Municipality, said that the place mentioned by the local residents come under the control of Air Force authorities. He also opined, if represented, the Air Force officials will take care of the problem. 'If by any chance the spot happens to fall under the jurisdiction of Tambaram Municipality, the work would be attended to immediately,' the Municipal chairman promised.

        Commenting on the issue, Loganathan, president of Sembakkam Town Panchayat, said that not all the streets in this locality come under the jurisdiction of the panchayat.

        However, he promised that he would immediately visit the area and try to do the needful. 'I will survey the locality and see to it that the place does not remain in darkness,' he said.