Tamil Nadu Assembly Election: civic issues take centre stage as electors in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni call for permanent solutions, improved security

As Tamil Nadu's assembly elections approach, Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni voters demand better civic solutions and security amid a competitive political landscape.

As the Greater Chennai Police and the Central Reserve Police Force conducted a flag march on a congested stretch in the vicinity of the Chepauk Palace in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency on Wednesday, Samsath Begum, 64, sat on the footpath, selling clothes amid the haphazardly parked vehicles near her residence.

“I have been requesting a new mobile vending cart for my business from the MLA. I have also submitted an application for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam,” she said. Pointing to the loss of livelihood of many vendors in the constituency, she said: “Many poor residents in our constituency depend on financial assistance from the government. I have yet to receive ₹5,000 from the State government. But I will still vote for the DMK because of their welfare schemes.”

Ahead of the election, voters in the DMK stronghold highlighted the prevalent civic issues, including inadequate parking spaces, large scale unauthorised development of commercial buildings in old ‘continuous building’ residential areas, illegal parking of vehicles along the road, security issues, and encroachments on congested stretches. Notable landmarks in the constituency include the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Marina beach, Chepauk Stadium, University of Madras, the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, and Amir Mahal, the residence of the Prince of Arcot.

Roads such as Quaid E Millath Road, Barathi Salai, and Zam Bazaar have registered a rise in traffic congestion in recent times.

Reiterating the negative impact of the unauthorised parking of vehicles by pilgrims who visit places of worship in the area, A.V. Kasturi Rangan of Triplicane said: “Five years ago, we had demanded a solution to the parking issue in the vicinity of the Sri Parthasarathy Temple. The MLA was expected to find a lasting solution, and construct parking lots for pilgrims’ vehicles. Pilgrims park vehicles right in front of gates of residences.” Traffic congestion near the Big Mosque is also a major problem.

Resident and social worker T.J. Ramani said the civic issues, including stray cattle, had not been resolved because of a delay in the construction of a shelter for stray cattle in the constituency.