When MGR was the Chief Minister he made a sound proposal to shift the Capital of Tamil Nadu to Tiruchirapalli or somewhere near it. Sound - because, there were innumerable plus points for that move. One, the ever-increasing congestion of Chennai would be relieved. Second, it would have been a central point for all citizens of the State. From Nagercoil, from Nilgiris, from Tiruttani or from Rameswaram, it would have meant the same traveling time. Third, whereas Chennai can grow only in three directions because of the Bay of Bengal, the then proposed capital city could grow in all four directions. Four, any quantity of land was available for the establishment and further growth of the new capital. There was such an uproar and commotion that MGR had to unceremoniously drop the proposal.

MGR had the insight, prudence and forethought that is either absent in many present day politicians or because they don�t want to use it for fear of negative response. They are unable to grow as statesmen.

But for Jawaharlal Nehru's personal interest, Chandigarh would not have been commissioned as the new and simultaneous capital of two States. Nehru wanted the city to reflect the new nation's modern, progressive outlook, "unfettered by the traditions of the past, a symbol of the nation's faith in the future." There is perhaps none now who can equal Nehru or MGR in their foresight.

And that is precisely why Chennai has become so unmanageable.

It is heartening that a call, though feeble was made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday by the Congress MLA Peter Allophones. He said no new industry should be allowed to be located in Chennai or in the adjoining Districts. One should congratulate him for this rather out of the ordinary, but bold demand. According to him, industrialization in this area has already reached a saturation point.

In fact, not only industrialisation, all civic amenities, be it power, be it transportation, be it roads, be it housing, have reached a breaking point. Chennai cannot take it any more. The authorities should do well to find a lasting solution to this crucial issue.