A week after The Hindu Downtown published the report “Danger spot on the highway”, calling attention to the open drain on GST Road in Chromepet that compromises the safety of motorists and pedestrians, the State Highways Department has started work towards having the drain closed with a concrete slab
The cast of the slab has been left to dry nearby and will be placed on the drain in about a week's time, says a State Highways official.
“The drain was dug to mitigate flooding on GST Road during monsoon. We can't close the drain permanently due to flooding risk. However, due to safety concerns, we are covering it with a concrete slab which can be removed whenever necessary,” says the official.
Two weeks ago, a car fell into the open drain. Though there were no casualties, residents and civic activists pointed out the safety as well as health risks the open drain could cause, since it was filled with sewage and trash.
Veteran civic activist V. Santhanam is relieved that the drain is being closed. “Closure of this drain has been a long-pending demand of residents and commuters and we are glad that the Highways has made the right decision. I request the authorities to desilt and clear the trash from the drain before closing it," he says.