Date:19/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071958970400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sathangadu issue: matter to be listed on November 28

Special Correspondent

Wholesale merchants association’s grievance was that proper infrastructure was not available at Sathangadu

CHENNAI: Home Secretary S. Malathi, CMDA Member-Secretary M.R.Mohan, Chennai Police Commissioner R.Sekar and Chennai Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni were among the eight State government officers who were present before a Division Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday in connection with a writ petition seeking a direction to the authorities to shift the iron and steel market godowns and sales shops from George Town to Sathangadu.

The petition, filed by K.R. Ramaswamy alias Traffic Ramaswamy of Virugambakkam said a G.O was issued in 1999 declaring Sathangadu as an iron and steel market area.

But that had not been enforced. There were several residential families and schools in George Town.

The Bench comprising Justices P.K. Misra and M. Sathyanarayanan had earlier ordered that the eight officers be present on Friday. Accordingly, all were present.

The wholesale merchants association’s grievance was that proper infrastructure was not available at Sathangadu.

To this, the officers said the infrastructure should be made available within three to four months.

The CMDA counsel said that as and when application for planning permission was filed, they would be processed as expeditiously as possible.

The Bench said it was convinced that at times materials were stored on the roads in George Town and also due to heavy vehicles there was obstruction to free flow of traffic. The police should ensure that there was no hindrance to free flow of traffic. Irregular movement of heavy vehicles should be controlled.

A grievance of the petitioner was that cutting and welding of iron goods were being done in the open (in George Town) thereby causing health hazards.

The counsel for the merchants association submitted that necessary steps would be taken to prevent such illegal activities and also storing of materials on the road.

As regards the request for providing security for the market at Sathangadu, the Police Commissioner said security arrangements in the place would be strengthened in accordance with the requirement.

The Bench said the matter be listed on November 28 for further orders and for filing status report. The officers need not be present on that date.