Residents allege civic projects in Chennai continue despite opposition

Despite opposition, civic agencies proceed with sewage and waste-to-energy projects, prompting residents to demand public stakeholder meetings for input.

Despite public opposition, civic agencies are going ahead with projects such as sewage pumping stations and waste-to-energy (WTE) plants proposed to be built at dump yards, much to the dismay of residents.

People have urged the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), and their respective ward councillors to hold public stakeholder meetings before implementing such projects. For instance, the work on the CMWSSB pumping station in Jalladianpet is still in progress despite heavy opposition from the area’s residents.

Manjula Sivaraman of the locality said no ward sabha, zonal, or stakeholder meetings were held to get the opinion of the residents. “We have raised concern about broken pipes, groundwater contamination, foul odour, and wastewater flooding to local body authorities. Yet, late-night construction of the sewage plant continues, disturbing our sleep,” she added.

Residents have asked the GCC to build a rainwater harvesting trench and a small park on the site, instead suggesting that the plant be relocated to Rice Mills Road, where there aren’t as many houses.

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Geetha Ganesh of the AGS Colony Residents’ Welfare Association in Velachery West said: “The strong odour from the pumping station is unbearable. Pipes have broken more than thrice, necessitating frequent road cuts as part of repairs, only causing more problems for residents.”

Mayor R. Priya said the matter would be discussed with CMWSSB officials. “They have said that an odour-control mechanism was installed. But, a meeting can be arranged to discuss complaints over flooding and the suggestion for a park on the site,” she added.