Greater Chennai Corporation seeks police help to relay roads

CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has sought police support to relay roads in Old Washermenpet of North Chennai, following protests and threats from local thugs. The authorities are planning to relay roads on June 27.
In a letter to the H4 police station in Korukkupet, Vinodh, GCC assistant engineer for ward 48, requested police presence on June 27 to help relay Arumugam Street, which has been in disrepair for over seven years.
“We started roadwork before the elections, but residents demanded that the work be postponed till the issue of constant sewage overflow is resolved. We stopped work temporarily,” he said.
Despite confirmation from Metrowater that sewage issues have been addressed, local residents continued to protest, threatening to halt the project, he added. “Officials and contractors had to face a large crowd of protesters ... we actually need police support to carry out the relaying work.”
The 400 metre road has underground sewage pipes for only 200 metre. “Residents in the remaining stretch dispose off sewage on the roadside. We have asked Metrowater to expedite the sewage line work,” he added.
Civic activist R Ramesh said the road is a key route for many residents, and not just those living there. “Most residents support the road relay work, but a few local thugs are protesting, seeking kickbacks from contractors. The road has no major issues apart from sewage overflow,” Ramesh stated. A senior Metrowater official said replacing old British-era sewage pipes under the North Chennai Development Plan with broader pipes, to ensure such issues do not repeat, is underway.