Angry protests on the streets of Chennai as residents left to fend for themselves

"No official has set their foot in the area. They are attending to only areas where there are VIPs. Aren't we also human beings?"
Angry protests on the streets of Chennai as residents left to fend for themselves
Angry protests on the streets of Chennai as residents left to fend for themselves
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Even as there are fresh fears of increasing water-level on the streets of Chennai following heavy rains on Friday evening, there is increasing anger among the residents who have not received any help from the government. On Saturday morning, residents of Rangarajapuram near Kodambakkam blocked the roads in anger demanding that the government help them.

“For more than 4 days the streets are water-logged. This morning we were given Idli and Pongal by other helpful people, some who live on first-floors and can cook,” says Ramakrishnan, a resident Subramania Nagar 1st street in Rangarajapuram. His street, along with the Subramani Nagar 2nd street, Parankusapuram street and Rangarajapuram street have 4-5 feet of water. Many on the ground floor had shifted to the terrace.

As the protesters gained momentum, the police arrived. “They promised to do something by 12 noon, but no help has arrived,” said Kumar, another resident. By 1pm however, corporation officials had arrived to reduce the water-logging in the area. 

"No official has set their foot in the area. They are attending to only areas where there are VIPs. Aren't we also human beings?" asked another resident as the protests started earlier.

Here is a video of the angry protesters here.

Like most other parts of the town, there has been no electricity here for the past 4 days and domestic water has run out. Of the 3000-odd people who live in the area, at least 500 were out on the streets protesting. With rumours of Chembarambakkam Lake being opened up again, paranoia and anger was rising among residents.

Rajarajeshwari, a resident of Chakrapani Street said that when vehicles move on the roads, rainwater enters homes damaging things even more.  R. Dhalavoisamy, Kodambakkam inspector said that I'm trying to contact area councillor

“We are removing the garbage from the drains and under the water so the water can drain. But we need help from the government,” says Krishnan, Vice President of a local welfare association.

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