Tangible development does a tango with yet-to-be-addressed civic issues

Nestled in the northwest of Chennai, Kolathur is far from ordinary. One of the State’s most high-profile seats, Kolathur constituency has been represented by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for the past 15 years. Naturally, it is closely watched for its infrastructure push, civic amenities, and efforts to tackle local challenges, particularly flooding.

In a four-cornered contest, Mr. Stalin is seeking a fourth consecutive term from Kolathur, aiming to retain his stronghold while facing familiar rivals from the AIADMK, a veteran, who was formerly with the AIADMK and joined the debutant TVK recently, and a contender from the NTK.

Beyond the political battle, a section of residents point to tangible developments in many parts of the constituency over the years, while some infrastructure shortfalls persist.

Prone to severe flooding during monsoon, residents noted that construction of stormwater drains, and underground sumps in lowlying areas have significantly reduced waterlogging. A resident of Sri Ganesh Nagar, T. Sudharsanam, who is the secretary of G.J.V. Nagar Welfare Association, said that low-lying areas, north of the 200 Feet Road, are now flood-free after two large underground sumps were constructed to pump out stagnant rainwater.

“Based on the recommendations of a committee led by former IAS officer V. Thiruppugazh (Advisory Committee for Mitigation and Management of Flood Risk in the Chennai Metropolitan Area), the sumps with a capacity of nearly 1.65 lakh litres each were constructed near Venus Nagar and Selvi Nagar. It collects rainwater from lowlying areas, and water is pumped into the main canal,” he said.

Residents highlighted broader civic improvements in the constituency. Conservancy measures are better, and public infrastructure has seen upgrades. The Periyar Nagar Government Hospital has been upgraded, with additional facilities and specialties. The Kolathur tank, once neglected, has been rejuvenated, and features parks and recreational spaces.

Kolathur was the launchpad for one of the State’s flagship initiatives – Muthalavar Padaippagam, a learning cum co-working space. The first centre was opened in Agaram (November 4, 2024), followed by two more in Periyar Nagar and Jawahar Nagar. The initiative has gained popularity among students, civil service aspirants, and entrepreneurs. With slots for the learning zone priced at ₹5 for 3.5 hours, the Agaram centre has recorded utilisation of 97,361 slots so far.

‘Affordable space’

Mohamed Akram, a resident of Kolathur, who is preparing for NEET-PG, values the space for its affordability, distraction-free environment, and maintenance. “Private learning spaces cost ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 a month. Here, a single slot costs ₹5. It is closer to home and helps me focus better,” he said.

That said, residents note that several issues need to be resolved. M. Murthy, secretary, Kolathur Residents Welfare Association, said around 2,000 families living in the Kolathur lake area for nearly 40 years are yet to receive pattas. “While families in some areas received pattas, those in others brought under the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board were also covered. But residents in parts of Mahatma Gandhi Nagar, Siva Shakthi Nagar extension, M.G.R. Nagar, Gangaiamman Koil Street, and Kannagi Nagar Church Street have been left out. We hope the government will resolve the issue soon,” he said.

Advocate and social activist S. Venugopal, who resides in V.V. Nagar, said that encroachments persist along North Redhills Road, Kolathur Main road, and First Main Road in Poompuhar Nagar. “Unauthorised car sheds and shop extensions are a common sight. Authorities are yet to implement court orders. They should also plan to widen the Kolathur Main Road, which is not even 20 feet wide,” he said. He added that transport connectivity could be improved by introducing small buses to connect areas such as Villivakkam, Koyambedu, and Anna Nagar.

Uneven levels in parts of the SWD network is another issue. While acknowledging that flooding has reduced overall, a resident, who did not wish to be named, said, “In some areas of G.K.M. Colony and Jawahar Nagar, the drains need to be rectified.”

A shopkeeper on Redhills Road said most works were concentrated in areas such as Poompuhar Nagar and Periyar Nagar. Core areas of Kolathur, particularly from Anna Statue to Retteri junction, need similar attention.

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu said several works have been taken up to improve the constituency. The establishment of an arts and science college of the HR & CE department in Kolathur was among the key highlights. He added that a bridge at Level Crossing I, the groundwork for which began when Mr. Stalin was a Member of the Legislative Assembly and was followed up for over 13 years, was completed and opened in 2023. This has significantly reduced travel time for commuters between Kolathur and Anna Nagar, he said. Another major work was a new water treatment plant near the Retteri Lake through which water will be supplied to areas in Kolathur.

Published – April 03, 2026 05:04 am IST