T Nagar for pedestrians alone

Chennai: For once, the congested commercial hub T Nagar breathed easy on Saturday with Chennai corporation diverting the vehicular traffic and observing its trial run for the much promoted pedestrian plaza project. The civic body under the project has planned to convert the commercial hub into a happening place for window-shopping. As part of its pedestrian plaza programme, the corporation also conducted drawing competitions and recreational activities. To engage families and children shopping at T Nagar, the civic authorities also had facilities for children to play traditional games like pallanguzhi, snake and ladder.

Corporation commissioner D. Karthikeyan, who inaugurated the trial run planned similar to that of Times Square, instructed the officials to ensure that battery operated cars were available for pregnant and aged citizens visiting T Nagar and Pondy Bazaar. For some coming from other parts of Chennai, the idea was exciting but for those residing in T Nagar the move was seen as a hindrance affecting their vehicular movement. The corporation had red carpets in a few stretches of Pondy Bazaar and also offered free herbal Vembu Kudineer at selected spots. Corporation health workers were also seen conducting health camps for the public in congested junctions.

The battery-operated cars will be put to regular use in the plaza after implementation of the project. Also, a separate lane for cyclists will be introduced if the project materializes. We will interact with all the stakeholders for their feedback and then the plaza project will be considered for implementation, a senior corporation official said. "My kids enjoyed the idea and it was safe to walk in T Nagar due to traffic diversions," said K. Arunachalam, a resident of Pallavaram. "Several local residents are not okay with the idea of traffic diversions and alternate parking plans. The corporation should consider the local public view before implementing the project," said Anupama Shekhar, a resident of Prakasam Street.