Soon after assuming office, the newly-elected MLA for Mylapore, R. Nataraj, announced a host of initiatives for the neighbourhood. He was addressing residents of the region at Srinivasa Sastri hall.
Conversion of the existing one-way traffic arrangement on Luz Church Road and Royapettah High Road to a two-way system and the speedy completion of Chennai Metrowater work on P. S. Sivaswamy Salai are among the promises he has made.
The meeting was facilitated by Arappor Iyakkam, a city-based non-profit organisation that has been drawing attention to civic issues in the neighbourhood.
“Over two-third of the residents want the two-way arrangement to be restored on Luz Church Road and Royapettah High Road. I agree with them. I am also closely monitoring the work on P.S. Sivaswamy Salai to ensure it is completed soon. For any grievances, I can be contacted at mylaimlanataraj@gmail.com,” said Nataraj, who is a former city police commissioner.
Over 100 residents participated in the interactive session.
Residents believe that ss he grew up in the neighbourhood, Nataraj could easily relate to the issues raised by them. The issues include regular removal of garbage on key stretches, especially those leading to the Mandaveli railway station.
Nataraj urged residents to practise source segregation, and keep public facilities including railway stations and bus terminuses clean.
Much to the delight of the residents, Nataraj said he had made a representation to the government, seeking the closure of two TASMAC outlets in the neighbourhood.
“A meeting will be held with the local Tangedco officials to coordinate road-cutting activities for cable laying, as such works reduce road space,” he added. Meanwhile, residents also demanded de-silting of the Buckingham canal before the northeast monsoon. Residents sought encroachments along the canal to be removed.
In this connection, Nataraj said that street vendor committees should be set up to address the issue.
Lack of Metrowater supply on Ranga Road and continual road-digging on Justice Sundaram Road also came up for discussion.
“We requested the MLA to organise periodic meetings with residents for better governance. We also gave him a model Lokayuktha Bill for Tamil Nadu,” said Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor, Arappor Iyakkam.
