North Chennai residents demand civic infrastructure, pollution control in Manali

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Federation of North Chennai Residents Welfare Association President T.K. Shanmugam addressing a grievances meeting in Manali on Sunday. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Residents of north Chennai on Sunday held a meeting to discuss civic issues in Manali and demanded civic infrastructure projects and schemes for growth and development of the polluted locality.

Residents demanded infrastructure projects for flood mitigation in Manali, construction of the link road connecting Manali New Town, Sadayankuppam and Jyothi Nagar, metro rail connectivity between Wimco Nagar, Ennore, Manali New Town and Madhavaram, and restore damaged roads before the monsoon.

Residents complained that the Mathur Urban Community Health Centre with 100 beds was in a bad shape and demanded restoration and minibus connectivity for the hospital. They complained about power supply issues in Manali and demanded the government to resolve issues pertaining to issuance of patta for residents.

Federation of North Chennai Residents’ Welfare Associations president T.K.Shanmugham said Manali was the most polluted area in the State and residents have demanded the government to take measures to resolve civic issues.

“United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner has accepted the report of the civil society in north Chennai as part of the study by Human Rights Council Advisory Committee on pollution in the area. Most of the polluting industries in the State are located in north Chennai. The residents have requested the government to mitigate pollution and facilitate growth and development Pollution caused by incineration is a major issue,” said Mr.Shanmugham.

Residents demanded the government to study the impact of industrial pollution on public health in residential areas such as Manali and take measures to reduce public health risk.

Periya Mathur resident Nagappan said Kadapakkam Lake and Manali Lake have reduced in size. “The government should conserve the water bodies for flood mitigation. Mathur lake should be converted to a sanctuary,” he said.

Manali residents also demanded Metro rail connectivity due to inadequate bus connectivity. Residents also demanded an emergency response centre for Manali and Ennore area and protect the waterbodies from industrial pollution.

Residents demanded CSR funding by polluting industries for growth and development of the residential areas such as Manali. The government should release a white paper on employment for local residents in industrial units in Manali, the federation demanded.

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