Tamil Nadu

Pedestrians’ woes

Munuswamy Salai, Thiruvalluvar Road and Ashok Pillar Main Road converge at a point near the Nesapakkam bus stop. Due to heavy traffic pedestrians, especially senior citizens, women and children, find it extremely difficult to cross the road. Due to indiscriminate parking of vehicles near the State Bank of India ATM and encroachment by those repairing furniture and mending footwear, there is little or no scope to use the footpath at this narrow corner. Authorities must widen the roads and clear obstructions to ensure free flow of traffic and smooth movement of pedestrians.

V. Muthukrishnan,

K.K.Nagar

Neel Metal Garbage personnel rarely clear garbage from the road leading to Vedachala Gardens off CUB Bank on Mandavalli Street. The road and areas surrounding Norton Street stink. Those concerned, when contacted, promise to clear the road but never come. ‘ONYX’ did really good work and was a better option.

P. A. Ranganathan,

Mandavalli

I was bemused to peruse the letter (The Hindu, May 5) stating that 50 per cent of the subscribers are not in need of the telephone directory. The last one was issued in 2002. Since then there has been an explosion in the number of connections and their transfer or shift. The 2002 directory is outdated and obsolete. The need for the new directory cannot be overemphasised.

The belated issuing of the new directory leaves much to be desired. In the first phase, just a few thousands copies were issued a few months back. It is learnt that the directory is being printed in Delhi and hence the delay. It is surprising why the printing is being done in Delhi. Will authorities explain?

M.D. Gopalrathnam,

Kilpauk

The TNEB move to open more collection centres, which will function even on holidays, is welcome. The Chennai Corporation and the CMWSSW Corporation have introduced ECS facility through nationalised banks for collecting taxes, and this is functioning well.

The TNEB made an attempt to introduce ECS for collection and called for requisitions in October 2003. Several consumers applied. However, this was not implemented. With adequate preparation, the system can be introduced easily and will be a boon to consumers. It is hoped that the TNEB, functioning under a senior and dynamic Minister, will consider this suggestion.

P.A. Nair

Anna Nagar East

Metro Water has made it mandatory for all residential houses and flats to install water flow meters before May 31. What was discarded some 25 years ago has been brought into existence again for a new experiment. For consumers this will be a pecuniary constraint and hardship.

The cost of the meter, installation and associated expenses will involve thousands of rupees. How effective the functioning of the meter is going to be is anybody’s guess. During rain there is every chance of the meter getting immersed and ceasing to function. Meter reading will not be as easy and simple as is the case with power connections. I request Metro Water to reconsider the decision and allow the existing system to continue.

C. Varadarajan,

Alwarpet

Presently, bags have to be carried to draw ration articles such as sugar and dhal. If they are sealed in 1 kg packets and supplied, it will not only prevent under-weighing but also make it easy to carry the items besides saving time. It will also provide employment to some youngsters.

S. Seethalakshmi

Perambur

I congratulate Southern Railway for installing the Train Protection Warning System to prevent signal violations on the Chennai Beach - Arakkonam section.

However, it is disheartening to note that nothing has been said about the Kanchipuram -Arakkonam and the 14-km Tirumalpur - Arakkonam realignment-cum-electrification project, pending for the last two decades for providing an alternative link to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Howrah, Cochin, Bangalore etc. This will also fulfil the long cherished ambition of suburban commuters to have a circular railway -- Arakkonam- Beach - Tambaram - Chengalpattu - Kanchipuram - Arakkonam.

The compensation of Rs.25 crore was given by the Defence Department in early 1990s. Why then is the project not showing signs of progress? Commuters fear it has been shelved. Three Union Ministers of State for Railways – O. Rajagopal, A.K. Murthy and R. Velu – had promised to implement the project. Hope Railways would act immediately.

S. Gopalan

Maraimalai Nagar

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