Residents of Chennai’s Thiruvanmiyur stop illegal road from coming up on their beach

Greater Chennai Corporation swiftly removes illegal road construction materials near Arupadai Veedu Temple, following residents' complaints.

Following representations from local residents about the ongoing preparations for an illegal road near Arupadai Veedu Temple near Thiruvanmiyur Beach, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) acted swiftly by removing three heaps of bituminous material.

Residents alleged that the material was placed by an elected representative for an unauthorised road, linking East Coast Road (ECR) to low-income group residences on the beach. Civic authorities said the Corporation was not planning to lay roads in the beach area and would not allow any unauthorised construction, as it would be a violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations.

According to Velusamy, 52, a resident who had lived close to the beach for 30 years, local residents had earlier paved paths to their homes using debris piled on the side of the carriageway. “Over time the loose sand was removed, and it became a lane. People are planning to build a similar lane closer to the sea as dwellings keep increasing,” he said.

“An illegal new road is being built after dumping of debris close to the beach shoreline. This is in complete violation of the CRZ notification. Similar attempts made a few years back to build such illegal new roads and beach beautification proposals along the coastal stretches from Thiruvanmiyur up to Uthandi, within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, were stalled after judicial interventions / judgements of the Madras High Court,” said Charu Govindan, coordinator, Voice of People, in her mail to the GCC Commissioner, Chennai District Collector and Chennai’s District Coastal Zone Management Authority (DCZMA) chairperson and State Coastal Zone Management Authority (SCZMA).

G. Surendran, a resident of Kalakshetra Colony for 12 years, said: “The materials were heaped on the land to lay a road late on May 3, 2024. The location is not monitored with CCTVs, so it is tough to ascertain who placed the  material there.“

Local councillor J. Kayalvizhi was not available for comment despite attempts to reach her.

After the issue was raised at the highest level, the GCC zonal engineer inspected the spot and said the debris was being removed. “No tender or approval was sought to lay a road in this location. There will not be any road until proper sanctions have been awarded,” he said.