Chennai: The state govt says it wants to eradicate corruption, but this requires more than govt assurances. Residents must understand their rights and question officials, activists said at a meeting organised by the Perambur Neighbourhood Development Forum on Sunday.The forum, in association with the Community Welfare Brigade and the Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations, brought residents and local stakeholders together to discuss civic infrastructure, public safety and ways to improve accountability in the neighbourhood.“Around Kodungaiyur, many people have respiratory issues. Biomining is a waste. The odour and methane gas coming from the site are ruining lives,” said Neelakandan, president of the Tamil Nadu Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations (AORWA). Similarly, the forum identified nine initiatives to improve civic infrastructure and public safety in Perambur.These include building a missing wall along the railway tracks between Vyasarpadi and Perambur railway station, restoring the Perambur bus terminus and Ganeshapuram subway, and improving footpaths along Madhavaram High Road. The forum has also sought improvements to railway subways and the redevelopment of Perambur railway station under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. Residents said strict action must be taken against those who fail to maintain rainwater harvesting systems.Balasubramaniam of Nallore Vattam NGO said residents must understand how the civic administration works and recognise that govt officials serve the public. He called for regular awareness campaigns, with residents mapping local issues. “Individuals must know about the population and needs of their wards,” he said.“Leaders are not just those who manage political parties. They work for the public. Every street needs a leader,” he said. He added that young people too need to be involved in activism.Nagarjunan, general secretary AORWA raised concerns about traffic violations, particularly two-wheelers carrying three or more people and riders not wearing helmets. “We dont see police taking any action,” he said.Residents also raised concerns about the lack of action against encroachments by street vendors and vehicles. The forum alleged that some vendors had the backing of political leaders, including local councillors, making it difficult to remove the encroachments.
