Chennai's OMR Residents Present Civic Demands to Political Parties Ahead of Assembly Elections
In a significant pre-election move, the Federation of OMR Residents and Associations (FOMRRA) has become the third civic group to formally voice its agenda, submitting a detailed OMR Manifesto to leaders of major political parties in Chennai. This comprehensive document outlines pressing needs in infrastructure, water management, waste handling, and urban development, aiming to influence electoral promises and future governance.
Collaborative Effort and Political Engagement
The manifesto was collaboratively compiled by a committee of approximately 25 contributors from the federation, reflecting a grassroots effort to address local issues. Representatives have already submitted the document to the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP, with plans to extend submissions to the NTK, TVK, and VCK. This proactive engagement builds on FOMRRA's history of pre-election interactions between 2019 and 2024, where previous assurances, such as the removal of a tollgate, were reportedly fulfilled.
Harsha Koda, co-founder of FOMRRA, emphasized the group's strategy: "We have been engaging with political parties because we believe they can solve grassroots problems in the area. This time, we will discuss local issues with them. Our choice of candidate will depend on their responses. We want to elect the right representatives."
Key Demands in the OMR Manifesto
The manifesto highlights several critical civic issues that residents argue require immediate attention from political leaders. Among the top priorities are:
- Stormwater Drain Development and Flood Mitigation: Proposals include building an integrated stormwater drain network linked to all waterbodies with zero-stagnation targets to prevent flooding.
- 24/7 Piped Potable Water Supply: Ensuring reliable water access for every household, gated community, and locality along OMR.
- Restoration of Natural Canal Flow Paths: Implementing desilting schedules with public tracking to maintain waterway health.
- Healthcare and Emergency Services: Demands for a multi-speciality government hospital on OMR with a dedicated trauma centre, along with fire and rescue stations at Thazhambur, Perumbakkam, and Thoraipakkam.
Residents Call for Focus on Civic Projects Over Freebies
Residents are urging political parties to shift focus from populist freebies to investments in essential civic projects. P Vishnukumar, a resident of OMR, stated: "Political parties should focus less on freebies and invest in civic projects that ensure basic amenities such as sewage and drinking water connections. We want clear completion timelines for projects announced in the manifestos."
This manifesto submission underscores a growing trend of civic activism in Chennai, with residents leveraging election cycles to push for tangible improvements in urban living conditions. As the assembly elections approach, the response from political parties to these demands could play a crucial role in shaping voter preferences and development outcomes in the OMR region.
