Chennai: Along with the ongoing Pedestrian Plaza project in Pondy Bazaar, the Chennai Smart City Limited, joining with the civic body, is constructing new pavements in streets like Venkatanarayana Road and GN Chetty Road.

At this stretch, where drains are under construction for cable movement and storm water purposes, there is minimal supervision, as several vehicles, both two-wheelers and cars are seen parked here. Pointing out the issue, Raghunathan, a resident and walker at nearby Dr Natesan Park said, ‘Most of the drains here are left uncovered or are badly covered, thereby allowing two-wheelers and cars to be parked. I heard that these will pave way for underground cables.

If this is so, authorities should take adequate are till the completion of the project.’ Sharing his views, an office bearer of the nearby South Madras Walkers and Joggers Association, functioning in Dr Natesan Park, said, “Venkatanarayana Road is the gateway from T Nagar to areas like Nandanam, Adyar and more. Vehicle parking is a key issue that has to be addressed right away. Before it is too late, authorities should enforce ‘No Parking’ in locations where drains are coming up.”

“Also, many are not aware of what is going on in the street. An intimation board conveying the details of the project and its completion, is important,” he pointed out. An official who is involved in this project said, “The facility that
is going to come up in the street is unique, as there will be separate drains for movement of cables and rain water.”

About the lack of supervision, he said, “We will address this issue at the earliest. Moreover, there was an information board earlier, that might have been moved to another space. We will work on getting it back here.”