Greater Chennai Corporation to Assume Maintenance of Key Industrial Zones
Commuters, residents, and industries grappling with inadequate civic amenities in the Ambattur and Guindy industrial zones are poised for significant relief. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has finalized plans to take over the maintenance responsibilities for these critical areas, marking a pivotal shift in local governance.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Infrastructure Overhaul
On Friday, GCC entered into a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Corporation (Sidco). This agreement empowers GCC to manage and enhance the infrastructure facilities within both industrial estates. The move comes as a response to persistent complaints about deteriorating conditions that have hampered daily operations and quality of life.
Scope of Maintenance Work in Ambattur and Guindy
The Ambattur industrial estate, developed by Sidco across an expansive 1,167 acres, and the Guindy industrial estate, covering 404.08 acres, are home to hundreds of manufacturing and allied industries. Collectively, they employ lakhs of workers, making their upkeep vital for economic productivity.
In the Ambattur estate, GCC will be responsible for maintaining 128 roads spanning a total of 41.38 kilometers, 1,558 streetlights, eight high-mast lights, and 84 kilometers of stormwater drains. The Guindy estate includes 82 roads covering 15.28 kilometers, 344 street lights, two high-mast lights, and 23.5 kilometers of stormwater drains.
Addressing Long-Standing Civic Deficiencies
Residents and businesses have endured poor lighting, pothole-ridden roads, and narrow drains for years. In Guindy, the roads serve as a crucial thoroughfare for the public traveling from Anna Salai to Alandur Road via Water Works Road. Many of these interior routes have fallen into disrepair, exacerbating traffic and safety concerns.
Adyar zonal chairman R Durairaj emphasized that GCC will prepare comprehensive estimates and implement a strategic development plan for both estates. "People have been raising grievances about drains, garbage collection, and bad roads. It is a decades-long demand to shift maintenance responsibility to GCC," he stated. "GCC and Metrowater alone possess the high-tech machinery necessary to clear sewage and garbage effectively, ensuring quality standards. The works will commence shortly."
Industry Leaders Welcome Move with Conditions
V Vijayakumaran, an executive committee member of the Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association (AIEMA), highlighted the importance of preventing encroachments. "Tea stalls and cigarette shops outside or on the premises of industries could set a bad precedent. We have maintained the estate clean from encroachments and littering, and that must continue," he asserted.
Guindy industrial estate president Girish Pandiyan expressed support for the government's initiative but urged caution. "We just told them not to allow petty shops and encroachments. Otherwise, we are okay with their maintenance, as the estate pays hefty property tax to GCC," he noted, underscoring the financial contributions that justify enhanced civic services.
Broader Implications for Urban Governance
This takeover represents a significant step towards improving urban infrastructure and addressing the long-neglected needs of industrial zones. By leveraging GCC's resources and expertise, the initiative aims to foster a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for businesses and residents alike. The collaboration between GCC and Sidco is expected to set a precedent for similar interventions in other industrial areas across Chennai.
