Thirumullaivoyal’s Growth Marred by Crumbling Roads and Water Shortages

Quick Summary

• Location and Development: Thirumullaivoyal, a rapidly growing suburb on Chennai’s western periphery, faces infrastructure challenges despite it’s real estate growth.
• Water Issues: Arafath Eri lake, once covering 61 hectares, shrunk too 13.02 hectares due to urbanization and encroachments. It suffers from sewage disposal and water hyacinth infestation.
• Drainage Problems: Many areas lack underground sewer networks and proper sewage treatment; the lake is heavily polluted.
• Road Conditions: Key roads such as Chozhambedu Main Road are damaged with potholes; relaying work costing ₹2 crore is underway for certain streets.
• Official Inspections: Minister S.M. Nasar and the Tiruvallur Collector inspected efforts to revive lakes for groundwater recharge.
• Resident Complaints:

– Encroachments need clearing around waterbodies like Arafath Eri lake.
– Poor water supply in several neighborhoods despite deposits paid years ago by residents.
– Roads remain neglected in various neighborhoods despite accessibility by public transport links.

• Development Updates

– Avadi Municipal Corporation says:
– Plans include transforming Arafath lake into an eco-kind space similar to Paruthipattu Lake (e.g., eco-parks, recreational facilities).- Drinking water networks now cover over 80% of Thirumullaivoyal with expansions continuing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Thirumullaivoyal’s struggles highlight the pressing need to balance urbanization with sustainable civic infrastructure development-a challenge common across fast-growing suburbs near metropolitan cities like Chennai. The shrinking size of Arafath Eri lake reflects how unchecked urban sprawl can undermine essential environmental resources while endangering groundwater sustainability for future generations. While efforts such as creating eco-parks may improve aesthetics and recreation facilities around lakes, foundational issues like drainage systems, sewage treatment plants functioning effectively, and resolving encroachments must take precedence.

The apparent gaps in basic amenities such as blacktopped roads or uninterrupted drinking water indicate governance challenges that require stronger implementation processes rather than short-term solutions alone. This suburb could serve as a case study for planning frameworks aimed at creating infrastructure concurrently alongside real estate growth rather than retroactively addressing concerns raised by residents after prolonged neglect.Read More