4 days ago
Karambakkam Residents Question Ration Shop Built on Recorded Pond
A new public building has been built in Karambakkam to replace an old ration shop.
Residents say the land is recorded as a pond, including in records from 1875.
They worry that building over it will remove space that can hold rainwater.
They say other construction has already reduced the pond.
Residents are asking officials to check the land records and inspect the site together.
They also want the government to share the approvals and work documents.
The corporation and revenue department have not yet publicly explained why the building was built there.
Residents say they support having a ration shop, but want it placed somewhere that does not cover a waterbody.
A new Greater Chennai Corporation building, reportedly replacing a dilapidated ration shop, has been built on survey No. 65 in Karambakkam.
Revenue records identify the 2,650-square-metre site in Maduravoyal village as government poramboke classified as a pond.
Historical survey records from 1875 also identify survey No. 65 as a pond.
Residents say construction has already reduced the waterbody and that preserving what remains could help store rainwater and ease pressure on stormwater drains.
Residents seek project records and a joint inspection; the corporation and revenue department have not publicly explained the basis for construction.
- Who
- Karambakkam residents are questioning the Greater Chennai Corporation's construction of a public building.
- What
- A new building, reportedly replacing a dilapidated ration shop, has been built on land recorded as a pond.
- Where
- Survey No. 65, Maduravoyal village, ward 150, Karambakkam, Chennai.
- When
- The article does not state when the new construction took place; the site was recorded as a pond in 1875.
- Why
- Residents say construction could further reduce a waterbody important for rainwater storage and seek clarification on the land classification and approvals.
Key facts
- Site
- Survey No. 65, Maduravoyal village, ward 150
- Recorded classification
- Government poramboke – kulam (pond)
- Recorded area
- 2,650 sq.m.
- Historical record
- Survey records dating to 1875 identify the site as a pond.
- Reported purpose
- Replacement for an old, dilapidated ration shop
- Residents' request
- A joint inspection by the Greater Chennai Corporation and revenue department, and disclosure of project records
- Official response
- The corporation and revenue department have not publicly clarified the basis for construction.
Quotes
A civic activist from the locality
A local civic activist
“We are not against a ration shop or any public facility. Our question is why it has to be reconstructed on land recorded as a pond when there are government rules to protect waterbodies. If another site is available, the facility can be provided there without sacrificing the waterbody.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If the land is still classified as a pond, how can a new permanent building be constructed here? The fact that the same survey number was recorded as a pond even in the 19th century makes the issue more serious.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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