Avalur residents want temporary road to be removed from Palar river

Residents of Avalur in Kancheepuram district have urged the Highways department to remove a temporary road formed across the Palar near a low-level causeway. The temporary road was formed to take up repairs to the causeway that was damaged in 2021 when the river was flooded.

According to S. Mohan of Avalur, who has submitted several petitions to various departments on this issue, if the temporary facility, which is located upstream of the causeway, is not removed, the mud and stones from it would block the vents installed to allow water flow in the river.

“We have been having heavy flooding in the river these past few years. The temporary structure has weakened and one more flood will wash it away completely. We want to prevent that. If the causeway is replaced by a high-level bridge, it would be very helpful,” he said.

Residents also find the temporary road very inconvenient as it is being used by many people as a place to consume liquor in the evenings. “There are three shops selling alcohol within two kilometres. Since the temporary road is not used by motorists, people park their vehicles on it and sit in the evenings. Women and children who return home find it very unsafe,” said K. Dhanalakshmi, who works at a shop in Walajahbad, which is 2 km from Avalur.

Streetlights that were originally installed along the causeway have also been moved to the temporary structure, making the causeway dark at points. Pedestrians want the lights to be moved back.

Published - June 08, 2025 12:23 am IST