Chennai: For the residents of Bharath Nagar in Adambakkam, their fight for stormwater drains (SWDs) can be traced back to as early as 2013. The continuous follow-up with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has finally led to the construction of drains.
There are a total of 13 streets in the neighbourhood and the corporation has initiated work on the construction of SWDs on Yamuna Street, Ganga Street and Vaigai Street.
Speaking about it, Bharath Nagar Nala Sangam secretary, P Moorthy, said, “The area was badly hit twice during the 2015 floods and since then we have been approaching Alandur constituency MLA T M Anbarasan and local body officials requesting to construct the drains.”
President T Muthusamy said, “The request has been long overdue and it has certainly brought us great relief on seeing the work being completed in three streets although the work is under way in other parts of Bharath Nagar.”
Remembering the struggle, treasurer Baskaran said, “Godavari Street and Thamiraparani Street were completely filled with rainwater for several days during the 2015 floods. Following which we again appealed and requested the officials to provide relief.”
However, on Kauvery Street, residents point out that the electric pole was erected right on the drain and a complaint has also been filed.
“The post was removed and has not been installed anywhere else. Due to this, the street has been dark and ill-lit for the past one-and-a-half months,” added the secretary.
It is learnt that the funds have been allotted only for three streets and the residents hope it would be implemented in other parts of the neighbourhood also.
“The pending areas include Palar Street, Thenpennai Street and a lane in Vaigai Street,” said Moorthy.