Glass bottles, plastic cups and garden waste found outside an abandoned house in Kodungaiyur near Capital Cotton Canal.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Residents of North Chennai have raised serious concerns over public safety, citing an increase in instances of substance abuse in dimly lit interior areas. They claim that groups of youth frequently gather in such spaces to consume alcohol and drugs, leaving behind broken bottles that pose a hazard, particularly to sanitary workers.
According to the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Public Health Department, many conservancy workers suffered injuries due to shattered glass found in these locations. Despite repeated complaints, residents say that the issue persists. Sathya, a long-time resident of Tondiarpet’s Ward 37, alleged that intoxicated individuals have vandalised property and even banged on doors at night near Captain Cotton Canal. “There are very few streetlights in our area. The smell of alcohol and other substances is overwhelming, especially at night. I am afraid for my daughter’s safety when she returns from school in the evenings,” she said.
She further added that the installation of surveillance cameras in these troubled spots could help curb the menace, but officials stated that cameras could only be placed along main roads and not in interior locations.
M. Kamala Kannan, a member of Makkal Needi Maiam and a medical representative, highlighted similar concerns near Government Stanley Hospital and Kargil Nagar in Tiruvottiyur Zone’s Ward 7. “There is a TASMAC outlet in the area, and people frequently engage in substance abuse there. The place is littered with glass bottles and plastic cups, and fights often break out among inebriated individuals,” he said.
Activist Ravi Kumar pointed out that such issues were rampant in multiple locations, including a park opposite Marundheeshwarar Temple and near a temple on Thambu Chetty Street in Mannadi. He also mentioned that near MRTS stations, such as the one near the Railway’s senior section engineer office in Washermanpet, alcohol bottles and food waste were regularly dumped and later burned by railway workers.
Concerns about safety and hygiene were echoed by a conservancy inspector from North Chennai. “Many residents fear retaliation and hesitate to identify those responsible. While authorities manage to control these activities during duty hours, the problem escalates at night. Most of these incidents occur near TASMAC outlets, vacant lands, parks, and playgrounds,” he said.
In Royapuram Zone (V), sanitary workers are particularly vulnerable, as many do not have adequate safety gear to protect them from injuries caused by broken glass. While some zones with privatised waste management provide safety boots, they are reportedly distributed only once every three months.
Calls for Action
Several citizens have urged authorities to step up security measures. G. Shanthakumari, a local resident, suggested that the Chennai police increase patrolling and set up more security booths in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, J. Kumaragurubaran, Corporation Commissioner, stated that steps were being taken to create safer public spaces. “We have instructed Regional Deputy Commissioners to assess the feasibility of installing playgrounds in open spaces. OSR (Open Space Reservation) lands should be utilized for setting up sports facilities like football or pickleball turfs, encouraging youth to engage in productive activities instead of unhealthy habits,” he said. Additionally, he mentioned that the maintenance of all 871 parks in Chennai would soon be outsourced, which is expected to improve upkeep and deter such unlawful activities.
With growing concerns among residents, authorities are under pressure to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety of public spaces and the well-being of the community.
Published – February 03, 2025 09:21 pm IST