Once a small village, now a vibrant hub. That is the story of Perungudi in Chennai. Perungudi is a neighbourhood about 10 kilometres south of Adyar. It sits on the Old Mahabalipuram IT Expressway. The population has boomed since 2000, mostly with software engineers.
But this growth has brought challenges. Perungudi still struggles with basic amenities. Underground drainage, reliable water, and good roads are lacking. Despite hosting major IT companies, infrastructure lags.
Let’s talk about a burning issue, quite literally. Perungudi houses one of Chennai’s largest landfills. The dump yard is infamous for frequent fires. Residents of nearby areas like Thoraipakkam and Velachery often wake up to the smell of burning garbage. The smoke causes air pollution. It leads to breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Activists worry about the impact on birds in the Pallikaranai marshland. This wetland is home to many local and migratory birds.
Perungudi’s history stretches back centuries. Some families have lived here for about 300 years. They have seen Perungudi transform from a village to a bustling area.
Perungudi faces issues with sewerage connections. Residents in Zone 14 question why they must pay sewerage taxes. This is when the work is incomplete. The authorities say the payment is mandatory. It enables work on the sewerage infrastructure. Frustrations arise from delays in completing the sewerage work. Some residents claim they have been paying for years without results.
Perungudi is strategically located. It is close to Palavakkam, Thiruvanmiyur, Adyar, and Velachery. The World Trade Center Chennai is also located here. The location boosts Perungudi’s importance as a residential and commercial area.
Public transport connects Perungudi to other parts of Chennai. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation operates bus services. New routes have been added. These connect Perungudi to Tambaram, Kannagi Nagar, and other areas.
Despite its challenges, Perungudi shows resilience. It evolved from a small village to a significant part of Chennai. The residents hope for better infrastructure. They also seek solutions to environmental problems. Perungudi’s journey continues. It reflects Chennai’s rapid growth and the challenges that come with it.