Arappor Iyakkam Demands Mandatory Road Milling as Elevated Roads Cause Flooding

Anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam has flagged widespread civic issues caused by the continuous increase in road levels across Chennai and the state, urging the Tamil Nadu government to mandate the milling of roads before resurfacing them.

The organisation has compiled a detailed report featuring photographs from 245 locations, which was sent to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, the ministers for highways and rural development, department secretaries, and the Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner.

According to the NGO, the steady elevation of roads during relaying projects has left adjacent residential properties at a lower level. As a result, rainwater and sewage frequently enter homes during downpours, leading to localized flooding and heightened risks of road accidents.

Arappor Iyakkam held contractors responsible for skipping the mandatory removal of the existing blacktop layer before applying new asphalt. The NGO called on the government to strictly monitor road levels, establish an expert committee to devise permanent solutions, and provide relief to affected residents.

The findings were gathered through a state-wide documentation drive conducted over the past six weeks, involving 157 volunteers who surveyed and recorded conditions across 245 separate locations.