Hanging Bridge

Chennai: The eviction programme taken up by Kancheepuram Collecterate in clearing encroachments following Madras HC’s direction has gained more criticism than praise as the government is not keen on temporary measures.

In Mudichur, around 50 School children and residents raised slogans Saturday evening about a bridge connecting Bharadwaja Nagar to the main Mudichur-Manimangalam road, which is on the verge of collapse. They were demanding a safe alternative route. The dilapidated bridge is endangering the lives of the people of 400 families who have no option but to risk crossing the collapsing bridge.

Talking to DC, a resident, S. Leelavathi said there is no other way to connect to the main road. “Constructed with no support after the road was demolished here, the bridge is in a perilous state posing danger to the people, including the children,” she lamented.

Around 12 school buses that frequent the locality stop short of the bridge fearing to cross it. “We walk more than 2 kilometers each day to drop our children at the main road where school buses wait,” said V. Selvi, a parent.

As incessant complaints have fallen on deaf ears, the residents demonstrated their anger on the unsafe bridge seeking a secure route. “Though we were assured of a new bridge, no progress is seen.

The other alternate route that connects us to the main road is long and unsafe,” said K. Thaamarai, a teacher.

Officials from Varadarajapuram village panchayat said that the issue had been raised at the offices of the Tahsildar and Collector. “They are apparently waiting to generate funds,” said the official. The process, which might take a minimum of three months, is putting residents in a tight spot, the official added.

Residents in Tambaram and Selaiyur are also irked as they are not assured of accommodation after the demolition. “Officials said that our houses would be demolished anytime soon. However, we have no idea of where we will go after that,” said G. Babu of V.V.K street, East Tambaram.