Suburb with glorious past in shambles
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The historic ‘Colletpet’, named after Joseph Collet (1707), late governor of Madras, and now transformed into Kaaladipettai by the locals, is crying for attention.
People are left to negotiate battered roads and debris-clogged footpaths in this historic, serene place due to the callousness of Chennai corporation authorities.
A two-wheeler ride without protective eye gear will leave you teary-eyed. The dusty environs, accompanied by wafts of garbage smell and encroached pavements are the remnants of this erstwhile Madrasapattinam.
“The stormwater drain (SWD) works on Thiyagaraya Nagar second street is yet to see the light of the day. Moreover, footpaths continue to shrink as traders encroach upon the walkways, forcing pedestrians on to the roads,” said Mr Syed Hussain, a local trader and resident of Kaaladipettai.
Residents of the locality say that their region would be dust-free if conservancy workers cleared the mud that accumulates along busy T.H. road.
“Water supply in the area is so irregular that we get drinking water only once a week. Corporation authorities never inspect our area and address grievances,” complained Mr E. Balasubramani, a social activist. He also alleged the locality was being given step-motherly treatment reserved for north Chennai. “However, problems of posh south Chennai are immediately attended to,” grumbled Mr Balasubramani.
A corporation official told DC, “We will ensure that all the grievances are redressed. We are gearing up for the monsoon and by then all open stormwater drains will be covered.”
Regarding the encroachments along the roads, he exuded confidence that steps will be taken soon.
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