Sun Jan 12 17:16:30 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Suburb Booms, But Infrastructure Lags Behind

**CHENNAI, January 13, 2025** – The rapid growth of Navalur, a suburb on Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), is outpacing its infrastructure development, leaving residents grappling with numerous issues. Driven by a surge in IT companies and educational institutions, along with the proximity of the Chennai Super Kings practice ground and the upcoming Metro Rail Phase 2, Navalur’s population has exploded. However, this boom has resulted in inadequate roads, overflowing sewage, and mounting garbage, according to residents.

Poor road maintenance, clogged service roads littered with debris, and inadequate garbage disposal are major concerns. Residents report sewage discharge into open plots and water bodies, leading to hygiene and groundwater contamination issues. The lack of proper sewer lines beyond Shollingnallur exacerbates the problem, with trucks illegally dumping sewage in vacant plots. Untreated sewage flowing into water bodies is also a significant environmental hazard.

Further compounding the problems are stray animals, which residents say pose a safety risk to motorists, and the abundance of snakes due to unkempt vacant plots that flood during monsoons.

The situation is further complicated by jurisdictional issues. Navalur falls outside the Greater Chennai Corporation’s limits, making it difficult for residents to get issues addressed quickly. Unclear electoral rolls, with some residents falling under Egattur panchayat and others under Thazhambur, add to the bureaucratic hurdles.

Thiruporur MLA S.S. Balaji acknowledges the rapid and unplanned development, citing the panchayats’ lack of capacity to handle the infrastructure needs. He points to a lack of understanding regarding waste management and is working to allow apartment complexes to utilize nearby waste treatment facilities. Residents’ associations, like FOMRRA, are advocating for improved infrastructure and clearer lines of responsibility. The situation highlights the challenges faced by rapidly developing areas in effectively managing growth and providing adequate public services.

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