CHENNAI: Residents of Iyyappanthangal, a village panchayat which has been merged with Mangadu municipality, have written to the government saying their area was far more developed and that they would benefit only if added to Greater Chennai, Avadi or Tambaram corporations. The residents have held numerous meetings among themselves before approaching the government.
The municipal administration department had announced the formation of four new municipalities including Mangadu that would have six village panchayats including Iyyappanthangal.
"So far, 15 associations and more than 50 residents have represented their petitions through post and email. We have formed a confederation of associations and have got signatures from 500 residents and sent the representation to the state government on Wednesday," said Senthil Kumar, an activist from Iyyappanthangal.
Iyyappanthangal panchayat, under Kancheepuram district's Kundrathur taluk, had just 1,600 houses when formed. The population now has soared to 45,000, with gated communities and highrise buildings dotting the area. "We are located just 500 metres from Greater Chennai Corporation limits. It would be easier if we are added to the city and not a municipality that is backward in infrastructure and amenities," said Veeradas B of the Krishnaveni Amma Nagar Residents' Welfare Association.
It is not as if the area is free of problems. Residents currently depend on borewells and wells. Besides, it lacks quality roads, an underground sewerage system and storm water drain network. Door-to-door garbage collection is poor and there are no LED lights.
But, says Veeradas, the population density is higher than that of Mangadu and the lifestyle is that of an urban space. "We have good revenue and if the area is included in the GCC limits, we are ready to pay increased house tax and water tax."
The residents have written to various officials objecting to the intention of creation of Mangadu and Kundrathur municipalities. "Iyyappanthangalpanchayat geographically adjoins the limits of the Chennai corporation. To have better infrastructure, sanitation and health care, it would be appropriate to attach it to Valasaravakkam zone of Greater Chennai Corporation instead of Mangadu municipality," said V Pattabiraman, vice-president of Maduram Nagar Welfare Association.
