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Metro Plus
In a sorry state
THIS YEAR, the northeast monsoon set in time bringing with it the much awaited rainfall, a welcome relief for Chennaiites. But on the other hand, the rains have damaged the roads and this has disrupted the traffic, what with more potholes and water logging adding to the woes of commuters.
Who is to blame for the bad condition of the roads — the Government, the public or other road users such as the telephone department? Some basic problems have become evident due to the long-term neglect of road.
The ideal road is one that has slope towards the footpath from the median, with a storm water drainage to ensure flow of excess water during monsoons. Chennai's roads lack in one or the other factor and this leads to water stagnation.
A closer look reveals the lack of basic planning while constructing roads and re-laying them every now and then. Lack of uniform slope from the median or central part of the road (high elevation) to the sidewalk (lower elevation) where drainage is located is a common problem.
Also, having a basin in the middle of the road leads to water stagnation and potholes.
Partially dug up areas create a central cavity and this again leads to water logging, hampering the free flow of water towards the drain.
Sometimes, the drain is covered by debris of all kinds and narrow roads without the median too cause stagnation of water. Roads without a slope, no proper drainage system and having a central depression especially adjacent to the newly constructed mini flyovers, lead to water logging for longer periods.
Yet another major factor is the lack of co-ordination among building contractors, the transport department and other Government departments, who dig the roads for various reasons. It is also noticed that wherever the slope factors are lacking, the roads are in a very bad shape and the surface of the road is in a powdery state exposing the previously laid gravel, making driving a very difficult task. The public has a tendency of blaming the Government for not properly laying the roads, but it is also to blame.
While constructing their houses, people raise the elevation slightly higher than the road and most often, the outlet provided for storm drainage is completely covered or closed. This disturbs the slope factor of the road.
As the drainage system is very poor, lawns can be developed which can absorb water and minimise the stagnation problem. Also, people must be educated about the problem and the ways of minimising it.
Because of different elevation levels or lack of it, many a junction has huge potholes. The junctions must be raised in height and more storm water drainage outlets can be introduced to reduce stagnation and eventual deterioration of roads. Roads in areas where the Metro water tankers ply must be constructed with concrete rather than tar, as the water that spills out of these tankers often infiltrates into the existing cracks in the roads. Also the outer layer wears off with the sudden application of brakes by the drivers of these heavy vehicles. If the above criteria are carefully dealt with the concerted efforts of the government departments, which are directly or indirectly involved in the maintenance of the roads, then there is hope for Chennai's roads.
O. M. MURALI
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