The 13-km Otteri Nullah runs across the North Chennai region through Anna Nagar and Purasawalkam and drains into the Buckingham canal at Basin Bridge. The garbage-dumped canal poses a big threat to the people as it has become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Adding to the woes, the plants that have grown in the canal too prevents the smooth flow of water.

 

K Subashree, a resident of Branson Garden Street in Kellys, said that the canal is usually dumped with the garbage and this obstructs the water flow after a heavy downpour. “Though several complaints have been lodged by the residents living along the canal, no one turned up to solve the issue.” Subashree further stated that she herself went to the zonal directly and registered a complaint with the concerned officials. 

Another resident LK Mohan Kumar from Anna Nagar said the garbage attracts stray dogs and the dogs are a threat to the children living in and around the canal area. “Hotels too dump the leftover food in the canal and this emanates a stench. Anti-social elements also use the place near the waterbody to consume alcohol in the nights,” shared Mohan Kumar. The police officers should increase the night patrol services to ensure the security of the residents, he added. 

On getting in touch with a zonal official attached to Anna Nagar, he said that authorities continue to desilt the canal not only during monsoon but also throughout the year. “Considering the current situation of the canal, steps are being taken to clean the canal before the northeast monsoon sets in. We give priority to each and every complaint that is being lodged by the public with regard to all civic issues,” he said.

The official further added that the public living along the canal should object if someone from another area dumps the garbage there. “We always find people dumping garbage in the canal, the wastes include construction debris too,” he added.