Chennai: With two weeks left for the assembly elections, residents welfare associations (RWAs) across Pallavaram and Tambaram constituencies have submitted a charter of demands to candidates from various political parties. They want the winning candidate to address long-pending issues, ranging from underground drainage systems, to water supply and neglect of waterbodies that have piled up over the years under the constituency limits. Despite Tambaram being declared a corporation five years ago, localities including Selaiyur, Camp Road, Mudichur, Irumbuliyur, Anakaputhur and Thiruneermalai continue to depend on water lorries.“Under Tambaram corporation, only Chromepet and Pallavaram zones have piped water supply infrastructure; even among them, several residential areas have not gotten connections. Currently, 87MLD (million litres a day) water is supplied to Tambaram corporation’s residents, whereas the demand is 130MLD,” said M Sreedhar, president of federation of civic and welfare association, Tambaram.“Several areas continue to lack proper drainage connectivity, while untreated water discharge from homes and commercial establishments has led stormwater drains to function as sewage carriers. In the charter given to the candidates, we have specified that many bus stops lack shelters and surveillance cameras. Roads frequently deteriorate, which residents attributed to the use of substandard bitumen,” Sreedhar added.V Santhanam, president of people awareness association, Chromepet, said, “Flooding along GST Road in Chromepet needs a permanent solution. Surplus water from Chembarambakkam should be diverted to nearby lakes instead of being discharged into the sea. Encroachments on roads and pavements must be removed, and MLAs should meet residents regularly after assembly sessions.”Vignesh, a resident of Mappedu, said Agaramthen panchayat has not yet been merged with Tambaram Corporation. “We need a solid waste management system in panchayat areas and drinking water connections. The flooding of Agaramthen lake during monsoon must be addressed. We have raised these issues to all the candidates who are contesting in the election,” he said.Sunil Jayaram, of the NGO Chitlapakkam Rising, said sewage inflow into lakes through stormwater drains remains a concern. “There are at least 35 lakes within Tambaram limits, and many are affected. Before restoring them, sewage lines connected to stormwater drains need to be terminated and the lines should be desilted to carry fresh water to the lakes,” he said.
