Leather hub of Chennai needs a complete makeover

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Located close to the historic Ripon Buildings, Periamet, the leather hub of Chennai, lacks even very basic amenities.

The roads here are pot-holed and pose a risk to motorists and the absence of stormwater drains leads to water logging in many interior roads that present a picture of neglect with the garbage strewn around.

For instance, a vacant plot on E.K. Guru street has become a huge nuisance for residents as of late, the site has turned into a dumping ground, alleged locals.

“The garbage collected from neighbouring wards is dumped here by corporation staff. The land has become an open urinal for locals. During monsoon, things get worse as the stench is unbearable,” complained Mr Abdul Majid, a trader.

“It has been six months since conservancy workers have cleaned our street. Several representations have fallen on deaf ears and sanitation in our locality has taken a back seat,” he charged.

The street, which is home to a dozen export companies, wears a filthy look. Traders charged that they feel embarrassed every time their clients from foreign countries visit them.

“The ground water has been contaminated by leachate from the mounds of waste. The yellow water causes itching and lack of adequate toilets is a major issue,” complained Mr Abdullah Baig, a leather merchant.

When contacted, councillor of ward 58, Mr T. Kalarimuthu said, “We are facing manpower shortage.

Though we are ready to serve the people, the corporation has failed to provide enough equipment to remove garbage. As I represent the opposition DMK, my voice hardly reaches the Treasury Bench.”