Chennai: Most of the strolling flyovers that have eased traffic in this metropolis are facing a unique problem - mushrooming invasive weeds. They look simple to the eye, but can have destructive effects.
Biologists say that once a crack or break appears in the concrete, weeds are close behind. “Weeds grow at a quick pace even if the soil condition is poor.
They push against the concrete causing more cracks to provide space for additional weeds. They are so powerful that they can break sidewalks, buildings, roads and even flyovers,” says K. Parthiban, a biologist.
The flyover near Adithanar road in Egmore, which dates back to the time of British rule, has stood the test of the time though cracks have begun appearing now.
Parthasarathy Bala, a long-time resident of the area, said since the pillar of the flyover is also very weak, it is scary to take the flyover. “We do not know when it would collapse. Moreover, the weeds started growing out of the cracks,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
The plight of the Gemini flyover on the arterial Anna Salai is worse and the commuters have been complaining about the falling tiles for a long time. “One of the oldest flyovers of Chennai does not seem to have any safety measures. From a long time, the tiles from the pedestrian path have been falling off, thankfully not on anyone’s head till now,” R. Kamalesh, a student.
The Adyar flyover and the bridge next to Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) have weeds protruding from the sides. The residents say that it has been two months since the problem arose and it would be better if the authorities take imperative action.
Even the suburbs including Tambaram, Chromepet and Pallavaram are witnessing the same problem. V. Santhanam, a social activist and resident of Chromepet, said Eeshwari Nagar flyover is in a bad shape with chipped roads and bushes all over.
When contacted, a highways department official said he would look into the issue while an official of Greater Chennai Corporation told Deccan Chronicle that about Rs 10 lakh has been sanctioned by the government recently for the maintenance of flyovers. “They are painting and doing patchwork on all the flyovers which will be completed in less than three months. I will inform them about the issue of weeds,” he said.
Potholes, water stagnation, sand…
Despite several complaints by the commuters, most of the flyovers continue to remain in a bad shape. They say that the flyovers only look good from the outside.
“Most of the bridges in the city are painted only on the outside and the roads are also very bumpy. This is prevalent from over two decades,” rues motorist Nimalan N. He adds that the Velachery flyover can be very risky for two-wheelers as the potholes turn into death traps at night and poor illumination adds to the woes.
The flyover connecting Guindy to Velachery on MKN Road, Guindy, also has numerous potholes that lead to accidents. Commuters say they dread the place.
“MIT flyover, which was only built a decade back, brought cheer to thousands of residents as it provided connectivity to GST Road. Water stagnates on the bridges after the rains and the sand that is accumulated on the road is also not cleared, due to which motorists often skid on the flyover,” said Praveen Kumar, a resident.
After repeated appeals to the authorities, the cracks on the flyover were repaired. But the highway officials are yet to start off with the painting and patchwork. Also, the place below most of the flyovers is being used for parking, illegally. The authorities initially had plans to plant saplings beneath the flyovers, but the plans seem to have fallen by the wayside.
Some residents complain that the flyovers are built without a proper scientific study that led to traffic snarls.
