Kolathur residents urge CM to inspect interior areas during visit

Residents of Kolathur constituency have requested the Chief Minister to inspect interior areas that require improvement. This comes ahead of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) plan to upgrade infrastructure in Wards 66, 68, and 70 of Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar Zone (VI) in preparation for the Chief Minister M.K Stalin’s probable visit to his Assembly constituency, said a zonal official.

The initiative, worth over ₹13.34 crore, is focused on public infrastructure improvements, including footpaths, roads, playfields, compound wall painting, and modular rainwater harvesting structures. “High-quality banners and name boards will also be printed and installed. Additionally, tents, chairs, and mats would also be provided,” the official said.

“Funds were allocated earlier to carry out these improvements. This is a routine operation and maintenance activity initiated before the visit,” he stated.

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns about road conditions, footpaths, street lighting, and the presence of stray dogs in several areas. V. Purushothaman, of Kolathur, said that the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has not restored roads properly. He added that these complaints were made in the hope of improvement.

In Valarmathi Nagar, he said that uneven manholes on cement roads pose a risk, especially at night. He also said that areas behind Sundaram Nagar require attention, while roads in the northern parts, such as Periyar Nagar, are in better condition.

Residents of Thirupathi Nagar said that potholes cause difficulties for school vans, affecting children and parents. Temporary repairs have not been effective due to heavy vehicle movement. Streets such as Krishnan Street require relaying due to continuous water stagnation during rains and some non-functional streetlights need fixing. The condition of Thirupathi Nagar 4th Main Road was also flagged as poor.

Residents said that footpaths in all areas require urgent improvement. Bad potholes were reported near Retteri Signal towards Muthumani Kalyana Mandapam till Agaram. Garbage clogging silt catchpits, including in Jawahar Nagar, was also mentioned.

V. Udayakumar, of Thiruvalluvar Street, said that roads from Retteri to Perambur via Agaram were affected during rain. He also raised concerns about stray dogs, and impounding had to be considered. He said that his daughter, who leaves for work early in the morning, was chased by stray dogs.

He also said that anti-social activities were taking place in several areas after 11 p.m.

Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar said the issues would be taken up with the concerned ward engineers and the sanitary inspectors to be addressed. On the dog menace, he said sterilisation would be intensified through the zone’s veterinary doctors of GCC.