Residents of KKR Nagar First Main Road in Madhavaram have been consistently demanding the officials of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) to shift the overhead high tension power lines passing through their area.

The people of the locality have been living in constant fear of mishaps that are likely due to the power lines, as the corporation embarks on a green drive by planting trees.

The office-bearers of the KKR Nagar Residents Welfare Association had submitted several representations to corporation officials and senior Tangedco officials highlighting their problems, but no action has been taken till now. P. Kasirajan, one of the office-bearers, said the layout was formed in 1991, before which there were paddy fields everywhere with high tension electric lines passing through. But once the houses were constructed, the residents have been seeking the removal of the overhead lines.

New problem

A few days ago, the Chennai Corporation in the name of greening the locality planted saplings just under the overhead power cable network.

Residents are concerned that once the saplings start growing, it would reach the overhead cables causing problems. Residents also point out that Tangedco officials had installed concrete structures to take the overhead power cable underground seven years ago but left it incomplete causing loss of public funds. The residents want the Tangedco officials to immediately take steps to shift the overhead cables underground.