Comfort - at what cost?

With the city growing rapidly, the search for space seems endless. The choice is between a congested but centrally located place and a faraway and peaceful suburb. The decision depends on what one wants, feels PREMA SRINIVASAN.

AS TIRED commuters reach home after a hard day's routine, there are two thoughts uppermost in their minds - to reach home fast and reach a home that is far away from the maddening world of heat and dust. As Chennai has started growing rapidly in all directions in search of living space, people have been drifting either out of volition or necessity. People who may have invested a life-time's saving in a flat or house in a central location in the metropolis, have second thoughts about spending the evening of their lives in congested areas, with pollution of every kind. They have opted to live away from the city to enjoy fresh air, open spaces and perhaps, what has become the most precious commodity in the past few years - water. At the other end of the spectrum, there are a number of young and middle-aged commuters who find the distance they have to travel intimidating and time- consuming. For practical reasons, they have given up their little oases of greenery and opted to live in the concrete jungle for better time management.

I remember reading a poem in school, which celebrated the pleasures of a country retreat, juxtaposing them with the charms of urban life. Most of us, like that poet (I cannot recall the name), have to juggle a little bit before we arrive at a comfortable solution regarding our lifestyles. Dr. Priya Ravi, a dentist, who used to live in her own well-constructed apartment in Porur, recently shifted to Adyar for various reasons. She was recovering from a surgery and found it difficult to commute to her place of work. She could also spend more time with her two sons whose schools were much nearer home now. For a working woman, it is necessary to live in a central location, says Dr. Priya, otherwise she is likely to waste a lot of her precious time on the road.

Commander Ganapathi, after his retirement, lives in Nandambakkam beyond St. Thomas Mount. Although he and his wife enjoy their garden and pollution-free environment, Ganapathi finds it nerve- racking to drive to the city and back. One needs to do that pretty often to attend some function or enjoy an evening out. He admits that almost everything is available in the Defence Colony where they live, including good medical facilities. However, driving long distances is no longer easy. They also commented on the increase in the crime rate in the suburbs. Bungalows in the suburbs have become more vulnerable to robbers than those situated in the hub of the city.

Sitaraman who lives in an independent house in Palavakkam, is thinking seriously of giving up his beautiful home and moving into an apartment in Mylapore.

Despite having a chauffeur-driven car, he thinks it is practical to live closer to his family doctor as he and his wife frequently need medical help. However, when he gazes out of his balcony at the sea, he realises how much he will miss the peaceful suburban life.

Srimathi, a retired teacher, who had lived in a crowded locality in Triplicane, has very clear views on this subject. She loves her little cottage in the outskirts of the city at Pammal and spends a lot of her leisure time gardening. "All my life I had wanted a patch of garden to call my own," she says and finds it a refreshing change from the crowded Triplicane atmosphere. "Actually everything is available here," she declares "I hardly bother to go to the city."

Mani Shastrigal who used to live in R.A. Puram, has moved to Periyar Nagar with his family. Doesn't he find it difficult travelling long distances? - "It does take time," he confesses, "but there are a lot of advantages here. I get clean water and fresh air. We got the land very cheap some years ago and from the money we saved, we have bought an autorickshaw to commute within the city. So, it is not so time-consuming as we do not depend on public transport."

Now and then, one hears complaints about the distance one has to travel and the time it takes to do so. However, with the metropolis spreading its tentacles far and wide, the suburbs are getting fairly self-sufficient. Clean air, fresh wh water and open spaces can be irresistable to those who have spent years trudging down congested roads, getting dirty or no water and breathing foul air.

After comparing the checks and balances, what one wants ultimately is an accessible dwelling place, which is also a safe and peaceful haven.

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