Poor condition of the road near Krishnan Koil junction, with uneven patches and damaged stretches posing a concern for motorists.
The newly formed Judge Colony and Neighbourhood Welfare Association, an initiative of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations in Tambaram City Corporation, has raised concerns over high property tax rates, groundwater contamination, inadequate drainage, poor roads and road safety.
The association was formally inaugurated on September 27 in the presence of more than 100 residents. It has also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell and the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department (MAWS) seeking action on the issues.
Property tax burden
One of the major issues raised by the association was the property tax rates in Tambaram Corporation. S.M. Govindarajan, social activist, said the property tax revised by the Corporation in 2024 was significantly higher than that in several premium localities in Greater Chennai.
A street in Sriram Colony, where residents have raised concerns over inadequate drainage and waterlogging during rains.
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Special Arrangement
According to Govindarajan, the property tax for a 1,500 sq ft residential building in Zone A of Tambaram Corporation was ₹26,812.65, which he said was 65% higher than the tax for a comparable property on Boat Club Road and 164% higher than that on North Usman Road, despite the latter having a lower guideline value.
He said Chitlapakkam residents were facing a disproportionately high property tax burden despite relatively lower guideline values.
He also said that, as per local body norms, an Appeals Committee comprising the Mayor/Commissioner and councillors, irrespective of political affiliation, should be in place. “There is no information on this and there was no public consultation or discussion among councillors before revising the tax rates,” he said. “Despite writing to Tambaram Corporation on this issue, zero action has been taken to date. Residents are forced to face a second property tax hike of 178%–550%, well above the 25%–100% ceiling fixed by the MAWS in G.O. 52 of March 2022,” he said.
The association said it hoped for a positive response to its memorandum. Till then, it urged the Corporation to refrain from fixing a deadline for payment of the revised property tax.
Civic and safety concerns
Residents of Sriram Colony expressed concern over possible groundwater contamination by septic water and persistent drainage problems. According to Govindarajan, streets in Sriram Colony, in Ward 34, Zone 3, Tambaram Sanatorium, were flooded even during gentle downpours. As the area was low-lying and lacked stormwater drains, inundation during the rainy season posed serious problems.
Residents also raised concerns over public safety near Krishnan Kovil and Thozhi Hostel, particularly after street lights were switched off. The association decided to take up the issue with the authorities and seek measures to improve street lighting and public safety.
The poor condition of Chitlapakkam Main Road, a bus route and a State highway, and the Krishnan Kovil junction was another concern. Residents said uneven patches of concrete blocks and potholes posed a threat to motorists, particularly during peak hours.
The association said it was surprised to receive a response from the Corporation Commissioner that the road would be re-laid “within three months” after the issue was raised.
Residents also sought modification of the unusually high speed-breakers near a government school, saying they did not conform to Indian Roads Congress norms. They suggested reflective paint or markings to improve visibility at night.
Activists also pointed to the death of a 34-year-old motorist in Chitlapakkam in 2024 in connection with an unmarked speed-breaker, and alleged that road safety norms continued to be flouted.
Published – October 03, 2026 10:36 pm IST
