The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Residents keep government posted on their demands

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Wednesday, Nov 12, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Residents keep government posted on their demands

Staff Reporter

Potable water, power connection, hospital, more buses…

Photo: M. Karunakaran

CIVIC STIR: Residents of Kannagi Nagar Slum Board tenements participate in a protest seeking better amenities in their area on Monday. —

CHENNAI: Residents of Kannagi Nagar Slum Board tenements on Monday sent thousands of post cards to the State government demanding better facilities and improvement of basic amenities in their area. There are over 12,000 dwelling units and 50,000 residents in Kannagi Nagar.

The cards, addressed to Minister for Slum Clearance and Accommodation Control Suba Thangavelan, sought clean and potable water, electricity connection to all dwelling units, hospitals, more buses to the city, anganwadis and schools for children and burial grounds for people of all religions.

The large number of men and women, who had gathered to voice their protest, said water supply to their area was erratic. “We get water once in four days, forcing us to purchase water from outside. The water supplied to us is contaminated and many of us fall sick,” complained Ilavarasi, a resident.

Other residents said that the area lacked playgrounds, parks, proper roads and streetlights. Pointing to mounds of rotting garbage, several women said garbage was not cleared on a daily basis. The bus terminus constructed inside Kannagi Nagar was not being utilised by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, they said.

Another resident Mangamma, who works in Mylapore as a domestic help, said she was forced to shell out Rs.20 a day for share autorickshaws as there were no enough buses to the area. “We spend about Rs.600 a month for travelling alone. I work in three houses and I have to spend the pay from one house towards travel expenses,” she said.

Pattu, whose children study in Mylapore, said exclusive buses for school students were needed.

Mr A. Alexander, convener, Tsunami Nagar Struggle Committee, said, “We have sent thousands of post cards. We will wait for 15 more days and if the dismal situation continues, we plan to organise more agitations.”

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