The South Cooum River Road and its banks in Pudupet, Chennai, are facing a persistent problem of encroachment by car mechanics and spare part dealers. This issue has resurfaced, despite previous efforts by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to reclaim the area from encroachers. The encroachers have been dumping tons of non-degradable plastic and rexine materials, raising serious concerns about environmental damage and public health.
The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining a clean and safe environment, especially in areas with high concentrations of industrial activity. While the GCC has built a boundary wall along a 200-meter stretch of the road, the encroachers have breached it and continue to occupy the space. Abandoned car seats and covers have been dumped along a 50-meter stretch of the riverbank, with workers even stitching them right on the banks. This blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public space is alarming, especially given the presence of police CCTV cameras in the area.
The recent encroachment comes after a significant clean-up operation conducted by the GCC just a few months ago. More than 100 workers were deployed to remove abandoned cars, clean pavements, and secure the boundary walls. The resurgence of encroachment underscores the need for a comprehensive and long-term solution to address the issue.
Local residents and authorities are expressing concerns about the impact of these encroachments on the environment and public health. The constant noise and fumes from the car repair shops are a major inconvenience, while the dumping of non-degradable waste poses a serious threat to the river and its ecosystem. The area is home to around 1,000 car and bike mechanic shops, besides about 100 car repair shops, which has led to the expansion of their operations over time.
Siva Rajaasekharan, the Congress councillor for ward 63, has been advocating for the relocation of these shops to a new auto-hub outside the city. He believes that relocating the shops would alleviate the problems faced by local residents and prevent further encroachment on the riverbank. He has also requested the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to create an auto-hub as part of the third master plan, urging shop owners not to rent out stalls to mechanics.
The water resources department (WRD) officials have stated that they will patrol the area again to remove the encroachments. Regional deputy commissioner (north) Katta Ravi Teja has emphasized that encroachments on the riverbanks are unacceptable and will be removed. He has also mentioned that they will coordinate with the traffic police regarding the abandoned cars.
The police inspector for the area, Mohan Raj, has affirmed that the police will collaborate with the GCC to find a long-term solution to prevent further encroachment. He has emphasized that encroachments cannot be allowed and that appropriate action will be taken. This incident highlights the need for strong enforcement of environmental regulations and the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities to address such issues effectively.
