Chennai: Open drain pit adjacent to Perungalathur flyover needs attention

Chennai: A pothole dug for drainage near the Perungalathur flyover has been lying open for over three months. Though such incidents are common in most areas of the city and suburbs, the pothole has caused an uproar among both commuters and residents. The affected public is demanding immediate action from the concerned authorities before a major accident takes place. At the Kalaignar Nedunchalai junction adjoining the service lane of the Perungalathur flyover, a pothole was dug in May to construct a culvert connecting the existing drainage. However, even several months later, the work is incomplete, and the pothole lies open without any proper barricades or warning signs. The junction is an important connecting road for hundreds of motorists travelling between Tambaram and Vandalur, and during peak hours, traffic often gets clogged on the service road.
The open pothole leads to congestion, forcing two-wheeler and car drivers to drive dangerously around it. “Turning near the pothole is a nightmare, especially for bike riders. One mistake and one can fall straight into it,” said D. Sam Aseer, a resident of Perungalathur. The water collected in the open pothole has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects, increasing the risk of dengue and other diseases. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable as the pothole is hardly visible during rains or at night. Residents said if it is not repaired soon, there is a possibility of someone getting seriously injured. An official of the Tambaram Corporation said the work was done by the highways department. However, steps will be taken to resolve the problem.