Residents affected by rising road levels demand action

Residents whose houses are below the road level, with some facing expenses of up to ₹40 lakh to raise their floors, joined a protest titled ‘Kelu T.N. Kelu’ [Listen/Ask T.N.], organised by anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam, demanding steps to prevent further increase in road levels across Tamil Nadu.

At the protest held near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore on Saturday, the organisation attributed the rise in road levels to contractors failing to mill damaged road surfaces before relaying them.

Repeated road resurfacing can leave buildings at a lower level than the road, causing rainwater and sewage to enter the premises during heavy rain. Sunken manholes and silt catch pits also pose a risk to two-wheeler riders.

Affected residents and volunteers from several districts, including Chennai, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Tirupattur, Erode, Madurai joned the protest.

A seven-point demand, including compensation for damaged properties, was put forth at the event. Public funds were also spent on raising footpaths, manholes, and electrical boxes to the road level.

Key demands

Mandatory milling before relaying roads, measurement of road levels above mean sea level before and after the work, and publication of the measurements were among the key demands.

The organisation also sought photographic and video documentation of excavation work, compensation of up to ₹40 lakh for each affected household, and the formation of an expert committee to address existing cases. It also called for action against contractors and officials responsible for violations.

Arappor Iyakkam coordinators Jayaram Venkatesan, Radhakrishnan and Madhuvanthi, and joint coordinator Zahir Hussain addressed the protest, and urged the State government to issue instructions to all departments undertaking road works.