Tiruvottiyur residents seek flood-free, pollution-free neighbourhood

Residents of Tiruvottiyur sought measures to prevent flooding, curb industrial pollution, provide pattas and basic amenities, and strengthen healthcare and waste management at a public assembly held in the area on Sunday.

The Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Associations (FNCRWA) and the Village Coordination Committee organised the ‘Tiruvottiyur Makkal Sangamam’ at the Perundalaivar Kamarajar Mandapam.

Among the demands were the raising and strengthening of both banks of the Buckingham Canal by one metre, measures to prevent industrial wastewater and thermal power plant ash from entering the canal and estuary, deepening and widening the Ennore estuary to facilitate the discharge of Kosasthalaiyar river water into the sea.

Association president T.K Shanmugam also sought expansion of Metrorail to Ennore, completion of the Annamalai Nagar-Wimco railway subway, playgrounds and gymnasiums. A self-certification system was sought for individual houses up to 3,000 sq ft, excluding multi-storey buildings.

They sought action against industries violating pollution control rules, including continuous monitoring of air, water and soil quality and transparent disclosure of the findings. The demands also included regular drinking water supply, underground sewerage connections and integrated stormwater drains.

They also sought pattas for eligible long-term residents of government and temple lands, while protecting water bodies and catchment areas. Sale deeds were sought for those who had paid for houses built by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board.