Police, residents elevate security issues over pothole-ridden roads

Residents and visitors police have raised issues over broken roads and potholes throughout Chennai, warning of potential fall hazards and accidents because the northeast monsoon has set over the State. 

Potholes are among the many main issues, notably through the monsoon season as they turn out to be stagnant swimming pools of water the place the depth shouldn’t be perceivable, thus inflicting street accidents, stated a senior officer of the Chennai visitors police.

There is steady coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Highways Department to expedite street minimize permissions via a web-based and WhatsApp system for Bus Route and Interior Route Roads, but challenges persist, he added. The police is seeking to improve coordination gaps, he stated.

According to the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), a complete of 67,213 street accidents have been reported in 2023, of which 171 have been brought on by dangerous roads — 54 individuals have been killed, 81 grievously injured in 74 accidents, and 68 individuals sustained minor accidents in 40 accidents. Further, 242 accidents have been attributed to dangerous climate, together with 24 deaths and 160 individuals injured in the identical 12 months.

Over 16,000 accidents

SCRB knowledge as much as March 2024 revealed 16,762 accidents, together with 4 accidents attributable to dangerous roads which killed six individuals. One individual was grievously injured and 10 sustained minor accidents attributable to dangerous roads. Further, dangerous climate induced one accident, killing one individual throughout the identical interval.

S. Manjula, a resident close to Velachery, stated the silt catch pits have been situated on the carrriageway on Cart Track Road in Kuilkuppam, Velachery, as a substitute of alongside the roadside close to the pavements.

“The parts round manholes, between lanes, and close to turning factors are broken. This is problematic for motorists, as they can’t choose which stretch is uneven or the place potholes have shaped throughout waterlogging in heavy rain. Students and the aged are most in danger,” she stated.

Raghukumar C. of the Community Welfare Brigade stated Palani Aandavar Koil Street close to Vivekananda Vidhyalaya in Perambur, continues to face neglect because it lies on the boundary of two zones. He stated the stretch had been briefly repaired with gravel and moist combine and in addition puzzled how lengthy the work would maintain.

An official stated that the problem of dangerous roads is being monitored by the Chennai Corporation and that disruptions attributable to improvement works, notably associated to the Chennai Metro Rail venture and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board, are being addressed. “Road cuts have turn out to be inevitable, however, restorations are being carried out, and any complaints acquired are being attended to. Owing to the monsoon, street cuts have been halted from September. However, if issues persist, the matter shall be reviewed and corrective measures shall be taken,” he added.