Perambur gets a chief minister, Vijay inherits a civic minefield

Chennai: After years of watching neighbouring constituencies such as RK Nagar and Kolathur produce chief ministers and reap the political attention that followed, Perambur has now become North Chennai's new seat of power with actor-turned-politician Vijay taking over as chief minister.While the actual Perambur neighbourhood falls under Thiru Vi Ka Nagar constituency, the areas that come under Perambur assembly constituency include Kodungaiyur, Vyasarpadi, Erukkanchery and Maha Kavi Bharathi Nagar — all of which are home to a working-class population. The constituency, with more than two lakh residents, is battling drug menace, poor amenities in educational institutions, inadequate flood-mitigation infrastructure and stalled flyover works. The most pressing concern is pollution from the Kodungaiyur dumpyard, which residents want cleared.C Raghukumar of Perambur neighbourhood development forum said they want the dumpyard removed entirely. "We urge the CM to direct GCC to stop dumping waste here, and enable end-to-end source segregation in the constituency," he said. Another key charter includes a metro rail network from Madhavaram to Mint through Kodungaiyur and Vyasarpadi via the Grand Northern Trunk Road.Areas in Vyasarpadi have been a breeding ground for peddling of drugs besides theft of two-wheelers. Govt schools and colleges here require a revamp too. Sarath Kumar of Vyasai Thozhargal, a civic group, said the student strength at MKB Nagar High School has dropped from 1,000 to 600. "Drugs are being sold to the youth. This must be curbed. The Ambedkar Govt Arts and Science College too lacks a canteen and parking. The biology lab lacks equipment," he said, adding that the three police stations — P5, P3 and P6 — in the neighbourhood require an upgrade. M Jaiganesh of Vyasarpadi TT Block TNUHDB tenement said Vyasarpadi is prone to neck-deep flooding as water channels are clogged. "Both Captain Cotton Canal and Buckingham Canal are in bad shape owing to encroachments. Vijay has to look into all this," he said, adding that access to MLA must be made easier.B Jagan, TVK district joint secretary, said they are setting up a new MLA office in the constituency. "Our cadre have noted key issues. We will begin meetings with officials from various departments," he said. Kalil Rahman, a resident, said the CM has promised a monthly visit and that he will interact with people directly.