[1]Royapuram gained importance in erstwhile Madrasapattinam because of the first biggest South Indian railway terminal, inaugurated on 1856 by the then colonial rulers.
The region’s historic importance has never helped the locality when it comes to development. And the situation has worsened over the years, allege local residents.
Absence of new infrastructure developments, inadequate drinking water supply, dust dunes and debris add up to the existing chaos and the corporation authorities continue to neglect.
Many parts of the region reportedly suffer from lack of drinking water supply and residents allege that sewer enters the drinking water pipes.
Apart from water scarcity the region suffers from sewage overflows coupled with mosquito menace.
“Waste disposal in our area is very poor, many houses do not have access to corporation water and worst is civic authorities never gave me a proper reply after several requests,” said T. Raj Kumar, an activist and a local resident.
“Women suffer a lot in our area as public toilets are not being put to use and debris are not periodically removed,” said R.Viji Anita, a home maker.
Meanwhile many interior roads continue to be clogged up either by heavy duty vehicles parked haphazardly or uncollected waste particularly in west Mada church street.
Efforts to reach the corporation officials proved futile as local authorities pass their buck on the top brass at the Ripon Buildings.
However a senior corporation official emphasised that the road situation in the neglected north Chennai particularly in labour dominated Royapuram would improve.
The civic body has finalized road repair works for Royapuram interior roads and desilting works would gain momentum ahead of the monsoon, the official added.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/25royapuramjpgcropdisplayjpg-465