Routine inspections by local authorities or elected representatives such Assistant Engineers (AEs), Executive Engineers (EE) etc., are not taking place, a number of residents unhappy with the progress of work in their area have complained.
N.R. Vijay Kumar of T.Nagar under Kodambakkam Zone (X) claimed the issue of street hawkers on pavements causing air pollution and disturbance to the public has been flagged multiple times. “When a complaint is filed, officials temporarily clear the cart, but shopkeepers reappear the very next day. This cycle has been ongoing for years despite repeated complaints. The Corporation must take direct action instead of expecting people to keep reporting the same issue,” he added.
S.Vishanth from Ennore Solidarity Group claimed that he has never witnessed a local authority inspect wards 1 and 2 of the Tiruvottiyur Zone (I) of GCC on a regular basis and only when a petition has been issued to higher authorities, there is a visit, that too two or three days later.
“This area is still considered peri-urban, and many people are unaware of how to effectively engage with the local government to resolve issues. Fortunately, the councillors in this region are helpful; however, there is no systematic review process in place to address concerns, such as road maintenance or water supply shortages. AEs arrive in case a complaint is raised with the EE, and not otherwise,” he alleged.
Narayanan of Brindavan Complex in Perungudi Zone (XIV) said he has not witnessed AEs or EEs inspect the locality. “The road conditions in the 9th cross street and its surroundings turned bad in just three of being relaid. Open dumping in Perungudi is rampant even though the dumpyard is only few kilometres away. These need to be checked regularly by conservancy inspectors and Public Health Department,” he added.
A senior official stated that the regular reviews of operations and maintenance work of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) by zone and ward-level authorities or engineers is not being done consistently. “Higher officials have asked local authorities to check their wards regularly, but this is not happening. Consequently, the field-level implementation of many projects has become questionable. This issue was addressed in a recent meeting where the GCC Commissioner said that severe action will be taken against local officials who fail to visit their wards regularly,” he added.
Published – January 12, 2025 01:10 am IST