Surreptitious revision in water charges

During election time, while the service in government departments almost comes to a standstill because many officials get detailed for election related work, at Tambaram City Municipal Corporation (TCMC), the revenue officials have caused a severe jolt to the residents by silently administering a steep three-fold increase in the water charges from Rs. 50.50 per month to Rs. 150.50 per month with effect from April 2026! Following protests from residents/residents welfare associations, the old rates were restored. It is a clear case of how the hikes in the property tax/water charges are revised clandestinely and without any prior information or reference to the residents and in an arbitrary manner. But for the alert residents who noticed the surreptitious revision effected by the TCMC, the issue would have gone unnoticed till a wider section would have come to know of the same and resorted to protests.

While the above episode illustrates that it becomes incumbent upon the residents to be vigilant, the TCMC is also duty-bound to explain the reasons for the arbitrary action. Since the taxes are paid by the residents, fair play demands that the TCMC notifies any changes in the tax structure to the stakeholders to get the feedback. When the water supply is irregular, there is no case for the TCMC to revise the charges three-fold. The sudden U-turn of the TCMC in restoring the old rates is proof enough that its own decision is flawed and uncalled for.

The TCMC cannot revise the taxes at its own whims and fancies. There are many instances where the TCMC has levied taxes on tax payers without any basis. All these cases need to be revisited so as to provide the much-needed relief to the aggrieved.

At a time when many residents have withheld payment towards water charges for the past years, and many have not been informed of the respective assessment numbers to facilitate payment for water charges but continue to receive reminders seeking payment for water charges – the now impugned revision is uncalled for.

V.S. Jayaraman 
ramvsj@gmail.com

Memories of Madras in 1960s

This has reference to ‘Memories of Madras in 1960s’ that appeared in your May1-15, 2026 issue. It made delightful reading bringing alive the Madras that was and Khader Nawaz Khan Road in particular. Fran Forsyth has poignantly portrayed her childhood and its pleasures and pains that resonate with many a Madrasi of yore.

For me too, it was bringing back memories of the past. I came to Madras as a teenager- student in the Women’s Christian College in the late ‘60s. I hadn’t ventured into the KNK Road then as we had no business there, it being a residential area. We the hostel residents were warned against walking on even the deserted Haddows Road as there was the risk of trouble from stalkers !

Susan Mathew, (I.A.S. Retd.)
179susan@gmail.com

All-rounder CD Gopinath

Referring to the article on legendary all-rounder CD Gopinath I would like to narrate my unforgettable encounter with this great cricketer.

It was in 1961 when Australia played against India in a test match in Corporation Stadium Chennai.

One evening after the test match my brother-in-law took my sister’s son and me to ­Pioneer Sports to buy a cricket kit. At that time the legendary CD Gopinath Sir had come to the sports shop with Neil Harvey and O’Neil to buy something.

Finding us struggling to select a bat, CD Gopinath on his own volition came forward and selected the best bat for us. We did not know him and met him for the first time in the shop which by itself was great. But he went out of the way and selected the bat for us which is still an unforgettable moment for us.

His abiding interest in ­cricket would have caused this act of kindness. Great Cricketer.

AL Chandramouli
alcmouli@hotmail.com

Nuisance caused by roadside cookeries

I wish to bring to public attention the increasing nuisance caused by several small roadside cookeries and food stalls operating in our area by encroaching upon public roads and pavements.

These establishments are causing serious traffic congestion by occupying portions of the roadway. In addition, many of these stalls appear to prepare and sell food in unhygienic and unprotected conditions, exposing the public to potential health risks from dust, smoke, flies, and improper food handling.

The smoke and cooking activity also create inconvenience to nearby residents and road users. Despite repeated complaints, the issue continues and is affecting public safety, sanitation, and smooth traffic movement.

I request your esteemed newspaper to highlight this matter so that the concerned authorities, including the Greater Chennai Corporation, Food Safety Department, and Traffic Police, may take appropriate action to regulate encroachments and ensure hygienic food practices.

Krishnamachari ­Doraiswamy
dkchari@gmail.com