Chennai: Upgraded sewer lines, widening of Canal Bank Road, replacement of damaged transformers and streetlights are among the demands put forth by 5,000-odd residents of Adyar’s Kasturba Nagar for the upcoming elections.Their primary concern is being unable to commute freely due to encroachments along Canal Bank Road and between Kamaraj Avenue 1st Street and Old Mahabalipuram Road. A 2022 Madras high court order directed removal of the encroachments, but the Canal Bank Road has seen no respite. “Most of the encroachments have developed into houses. There are also several eateries, resulting in parked two-wheelers shrinking road space for pedestrians,” said D Radhakrishnan, of 4th Main Road. The presence of a Tasmac on the stretch compounds problems. Other demands include replacement of a damaged transformer on 8th Main Road, which causes frequent power outages, and replacement of defunct CCTV cameras and lights. “We have compiled a list of these demands and will submit them to the candidates contesting in this election,” said D Balaji, vice-president, Kasturba Nagar South residents welfare association.Residents in other prominent areas in the vicinity, including Gandhi Nagar and Indira Nagar, echoed the sentiment. A common demand is for sewer pipelines, laid 30 years ago, to be replaced. “Earlier, most residences were independent homes. Now, they have turned into flats with four times the number of residents. The pipelines can’t take the load,” said K Adithya, of Indira Nagar.
