Date:26/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/26/stories/2006052620510300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Stormwater drains in Korattur, a conduit for sewerage

Staff Reporter

Residents allege industrial units discharge untreated effluents

FLIES' BREEDING GROUND: Stagnant water near North Avenue, Korattur irks residents. — PHOTO: S. THANTHONI

CHENNAI : The residents of North Avenue, Korattur, are apprehensive about untreated effluents discharged by nearby industrial units into the stormwater drains.

They alleged that the outlet of the drain was choked near the 100ft Road by encroachments and as a result caused overflow.

Representatives of the Bharathi Cultural and Welfare Association, a social welfare organisation, recently submitted a memorandum to the Ambattur Municipal Commissioner urging him to initiate action to set right the issue.

The stormwater drains, built by the Municipal authorities, had turned a conduit for sewerage water from the industries, alleged Mr. Sankaranarayanan of North Avenue. "The quantum increases everyday as there is no action from the authorities," he said.

The water filled with waste material, including plastic, choked free flow at some points. The stench was unbearable and the channel served as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Many wells in the area have already been polluted due to the noxious effluents. We now want the authorities to act swiftly to remove the blockages in the channel," says association secretary V. Jayapalan.