The Times of India             03.12.2013

Corporation to consult residents before starting civic projects

CHENNAI: After at least three large projects sparked protests by residents, the city corporation has started holding meetings with residents for their opinion.

In 2010, when it began constructing storm water drains, the corporation was besieged by people expressing their fears about the project. Recently, when the civic body began laying granite pavements and installing LED street lights, residents in the older parts of the city felt it was a waste of public money, not necessary and created more hardship for them.

Recently, when the corporation wanted to lay pavements in Besant Nagar, it first went to the residents. "We had been receiving objections from places like Gandhi Nagar, Poes Garden and CIT Colony when we laid granite pavements. So we decided to understand their apprehensions so we could find a way in Besant Nagar," he said.

A presentation on how the pavements would look, the design elements, the material it would be constructed with and its benefits was made by an independent consultant was viewed by members of a couple of residents' welfare associations and some civic activists. "It was nice of them to take our opinions and suggestions into consideration," said Kamakshi Subrahmanyam, a civic activist. "Once they cleared some doubts, changed a few details to our liking, we were fine with the project," she said.

The residents also preferred concrete pavements to granite pavements because it would make walking easier for senior citizens. "We realised the need for pavements because the road was seeing a lot of walkers," said Shanthi Krishnan of the Kalakshetra Colony Welfare Association. "It was important that they find it non slippery even during rains," she added.

Residents say the civic body should take this approach with all new projects, including laying cement concrete roads. The civic body started the system of stakeholders meetings with the T Nagar redevelopment plans, where residents' opinions were taken into account at every step.