Chennai Mayor launches drive to resolve civic issues by directly interacting with residents

Mayor R. Priya launches drive to resolve civic issues by visiting residents in each ward, improving coordination with agencies.

Mayor R. Priya on Thursday launched a drive to resolve civic issues by visiting residents in each ward and listening to their grievances.

Speaking to mediapersons, Ms. Priya said elected local body representatives had been asked to visit each street and listen to grievances of residents and resolve civic issues. Ms. Priya launched the drive in the presence of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu in ward 70 of Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar zone in Kolathur Assembly constituency. The representatives, led by the Mayor, visited stretches such as Mayilappa Street, Bangaru Street, and Pilkington Road and listened residents’ grievances. 

“We have started the drive at 44 wards in the eastern part of the city. The drive will be conducted in the presence of councillors and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials. We will conduct a review on every street. Residents have demanded raising the height of pillar boxes. Some wanted signage for streets. Small grievances will also be resolved by improving the coordination with various agencies,” she said.

Residents in the localities visited on Thursday also demanded the improvement of anganwadis. They wanted compound walls to be constructed along canals, and also demanded that the height of the already existing ones be raised on some stretches.

Answering queries about the GCC’s decision to increase the professional tax by 35%, Ms. Priya said the tax rate had been lower compared to other States, such as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, while the services to residents were better than that of other States.

“Guidelines of the Central government also determine tax rates. But the GCC will provide better services for residents,” she said.

The GCC will start work on the restoration of damaged roads after the Northeast monsoon, Ms. Priya said, adding that, “Every year, the civic body receives an allocation of funds for road improvement. This year, it has identified 5,000 stretches damaged in the rain. Repairs will be taken up at 3,000 spots. We will begin restoration of damaged roads this month.”