Pulianthope High Road Traffic Jam: Residents Protest Over Unremoved Tree Waste

Traffic came to a standstill on Pulianthope High Road in Chennai on Tuesday afternoon after residents dumped tree branches onto the road near Grey Nagar, protesting the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) workers’ failure to clear accumulated green waste.

The protest caused a traffic jam for around 15 minutes, affecting motorists, buses and two-wheelers travelling through the busy stretch.

Residents Protest Over Tree Branch Waste

According to local residents, GCC conservancy workers had trimmed tree branches on both sides of the road near the Vinayagar Kovil in Grey Nagar, Pulianthope. The cut branches were reportedly left near the temple, a location frequently used by residents to park light commercial vehicles.

Residents said repeated complaints about the unremoved green waste had not resulted in immediate action. A local resident said the branches remained uncleared even after the conservancy inspector was informed.

Frustrated by the delay, some residents moved the branches onto the busy road, leading to a temporary traffic blockade.

Traffic Affected for 15 Minutes

The protest resulted in traffic being held up for nearly 15 minutes, with congestion reportedly stretching for around one kilometre.

Commuters travelling through the area faced difficulties in the afternoon heat. Residents and motorists said there are limited alternative routes to bypass the congested section of Pulianthope High Road.

Ward Councillor Points to Sanitation Worker Shortage

Ward 73 councillor Ambethvalavan said officials were instructed to clear the tree debris immediately.

He also highlighted a shortage of sanitation workers in the ward. According to the councillor, only 28 cleanliness workers are currently handling door-to-door waste collection and street-cleaning operations across more than 400 streets.

The shortage of conservancy workers has added to concerns over timely waste clearance and street maintenance in the area.

Metro Water Road Work Adds to Traffic Congestion

Meanwhile, motorists continue to face difficulties due to ongoing Metro Water underground pipeline installation work in the area.

The road excavation has reduced the available carriageway on the already busy route, further contributing to traffic congestion. Motorists have urged the civic authorities to complete the underground pipeline work and relay the road at the earliest.

The combination of unremoved tree branches, road excavation and reduced road space has made commuting through Pulianthope High Road increasingly difficult for daily travellers.