High population influx in suburbs may add to congestion woes

[1]

While Chennai observed World Population Day on Wednesday (July 11), the state capital is all set to witness more congestion.

According to 2011 census data, the old Chennai city that was confined to 174 square kilometre prior to expansion had witnessed a marginal increase in population, from 43,43,645 in 2001 to 46,81,087, in 2011.

The suburbs, meanwhile, had witnessed a much higher population influx. Among the districts, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Tiruvallur and Salem continue to top the population table in the state.

Ripon Building sources associated with census enumeration said that the erstwhile Chennai Corporation limit in the past decade had recorded a growth of just 7.8 per cent in 2011 compared to a double-digit growth of 13.1 per cent in the 2001 census.

They added that with the merger of several local bodies from Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, the population would certainly witness a double digit growth by the next census. As per rough estimates, the population of greater Chennai would be between 6.5 and 7 million.

“The city had already proved to be a congested place way back in 2003 –04 when its population was around 4.5 million. The high floating population in Chennai had always been a concern,” said former Chennai Corporation Commissioner M.P. Vijayakumar. He added that while the city had grown in terms of population, it had a long way to go when it came to infrastructure like roads and housing facilities.

“Chennai emerged as one of the most congested city in 2011 census with 26,903 persons residing in one square kilometre. But now with the recent expansion and the growing population influx in southern and western suburbs, the population will further increase,” said a city corporation official.