If the civic amenities in Chennai city are bad, those in the suburbs are worse. In most of the areas around Chennai city, roads are dreadfully appalling,streets are dirty, drinking water is scarce and in most of the areas there is no underground sewerage. One can imagine the sub-human life that the suburban population is compelled to lead. And, year after year, their number is increasing geometrically.

Our roads and streets, our drinking water system and sewerage were all created when we were less than one tenth in number. Now it is like pouring an ocean into a glass tumbler. With the increasing population in the suburbs, our streets have grown narrow, our buses seem small. Why, even our electric trains are woefully inadequate in number and in frequency. More areas are left unconnected than those are.



The unending migration of tens of thousands from smaller cities, towns and villages to the city in search of jobs, occupation or a simple livelihood has only added to the agony, misery and distress of the city-dwellers.

In the name of rehabilitating the slum dwellers from the centre of the city, more and more hutments have come up in the suburbs. When are they going to see the end of the tunnel?

Not in the distant future, for sure, if a news-report that has appeared would come true. Yes, we may soon have two Corporations for the suburbs. A Committee appointed by the Government has advocated one each for the northern and southern suburbs.

Let us hope that the Government acts on the recommendation and acts quickly.