Ayyappanthangal lacks basic civic amenities
Chennai: Though situated in close proximity to the city, residents of Ayyappanthangal town panchayat near Porur do no reap any benefits that a city dweller enjoys.
Proper roads, stormwater drains and adequate supply of drinking water still remain a rarity, complain residents. “The Oil Mill Road which is one of the arterial roads of the area is in a poor condition. It was laid five years ago and authorities never cared to mend the chipped roads,” rued Senthil Kumar, a resident.
When the Kancheepuram collector visited the area, officials from the town panchayat filled the road with mud and said they were working, the residents allege.
Today, escaping without punctured tyres is rare, they say. Also the potholes contribute to water stagnation becoming a breeding ground of mosquitoes.
Another important issue of the inhabitants remains drinking water, which is supplied only to some streets in the area.
They say according to Panchayat water scheme, pipes were laid in 2013 and water was supplied only two weeks following the installation. Resident of the area, R. Kalpana says they have been depending on water cans since two years now.
Stormwater drains are more like sewage canals now, she said. “Most petty shops nearby dispose their waste near the drain and that blocks the drain.
We have asked the officials to clear it and for now, they have taken action against encroachments near the drain and this issue hasn't been taken up yet,” she said.
When contacted, an official from Ayyappanthangal town panchayat said MPLADS funds would soon be allocated for laying the roads. “Drinking water is supplied to most of the households. Moreover, people with large sumps have illegal connections and complaint has been registered,” he said.