How has the 5km Wall Tax Road in Chennai become different now?
Posted on: 02/Mar/2023 9:11:22 AM
Ask the residents about the place that is notorious for the encroachments on the pavements in Chennai, the answer from the majority would be the Wall Tax Road adjacent to the Central railway station!!
Chennai Central and Basin Bridge are connected by this 5km Wall Tax Road and is a home for many encroachments like mechanic shops, goods shops, tiffin stalls, vehicles parked on the pavements etc. It is shocking to note that on certain pavements there are also houses constructed here.
For many years, the GCC did not carry out any encroachments clearing works here as the place has got a strong connection to the politicians etc. It is true that the SWd were built on the roads here and not on the pavements as GCC was not able to remove the encroachments. Not only were the encroachers taking up the pavements but they were also letting sewage into the newly constructed SWDs.
As per a resident from Mannady it was clear that GCC has not touched any permanent structures along the Wall Tax Road. He threw light on how on the stretch next to Elephant Gate bridge many weavers have taken over the pavements and have kep[t their stitching machines on the roads too causing lots of issues for the pedestrians etc.
The pavements would be freed for the walkers and this was according to Mr. S. Rajendiran, chief engineer of GCC. He explained that GCC recently decided to take strong action against encroachments. He hinted that GCC would be going against the permanent structures built on the pavements.
It must be taken into account that in the last 8 months GCC has removed up to 6000 encroachments that included 2000 permanent encroachers. The civic body removed only some shops and movable items and this was mentioned by some residents from near Sowcarpet area of Wall Tax Road.
