Sun Nov 10 17:25:37 UTC 2024: ## Cooum River Road in Chennai Plagued by Debris, Flooding, and Safety Concerns

**Chennai, November 10, 2024:** A stretch of South Cooum River Road and Langs Garden Road in Chennai is facing a myriad of problems, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of residents. The situation is exacerbated by the accumulation of debris, flooding, and inadequate street lighting, raising concerns about public health and safety.

The Corporation’s efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure by constructing two-metre wide footpaths have been hampered by the accumulation of debris and vehicle scrap, making the stretch unusable. The work done by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along Langs Garden Road has also resulted in debris piling up along the river banks.

Councillor Fathima Muzaffer expresses concern about the increased flood risk due to the reduced width of the Cooum. Last year, sewage mixing with floodwater posed serious health risks to residents, particularly senior citizens and children, who are susceptible to infections. Residents are being prepared for potential flooding by setting up relief shelters.

Residents also highlight safety concerns, with many women feeling unsafe in the evening due to poor street lighting. The damaged pavement along South Cooum River Road forces motorists to take circuitous routes, causing traffic chaos.

Despite the Corporation’s efforts to address the issues, they remain unresolved. Residents are calling for a comprehensive solution involving the Corporation, police, and other agencies to tackle the problems stemming from the auto spares traders and service shops along the stretch.

The Corporation’s previous plan to relocate the auto spares traders and service shops to the city outskirts in 2018 has not been fully implemented. While some shops were demolished and a wall constructed along the river, encroachments persist, hindering pedestrian movement and road access.

Despite concerns about safety and hygiene, the area continues to attract a large number of people due to the availability of cheap vehicle services. Residents demand regulation of the shops and traders to address the ongoing problems.

Read More