[1]Several interior residential areas of labour-dominated Villivakkam and Korattur are stinking owing to the absence of sewage and stormwater drains. The ICF premises, maintained by Southern Railway, are also losing their sheen, lament local civic activists.
The Ainsley canal, which was once a pristine water channel, is now highly polluted thanks to the unchecked illegal sewer lines attached to the canal that was constructed during colonial times.
“The stretch gets highly congested during peak hours. Every time heavy vehicles pass through the road, two-wheelers are forced to pull over by the open canal. Once, a lorry almost knocked me into the canal,” said Mr Rathan, a resident of Villivakkam.
“The railway department must take steps to widen the road and maintain the canal,” he added.
“Despite several representations to Southern Railway, no efforts have been taken to clean up the historic canal. Sewer from several houses is discharged into it. The civic authorities have been unable to curb the problem. The land, belonging to the ICF, must be handed over to the corporation for regular maintenance,” suggested Mr C. Peter, a local.
“Sewage stagnation at the intersection of Buckingham canal and Aavin road in Korattur poses health hazards. The free flow of water in the canal is obstructed as a portion of the canal is filled with debris,” said Mr Kannan, a resident of Korattur.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sewagejpgcropdisplayjpg-385