CHENNAI: As part of the bid to strengthen the flood-preparedness mechanism , the state highways department on Tuesday began demolishing the causeway over the Adyar River in Jafferkhanpet. The move was planned a few years ago, but the dire need was felt only after December 2015 when the causeway obstructed the river flow and led to floods.City corporation officials oversaw the demolition work after blocking traffic towards the causeway from both sides. Space was left for pedestrians. “The purpose of building the Kasi Theatre Bridge was to replace the causeway which does not have walls. It should have been demolished long ago,” said a highways official.The department had been hesitant because of public outcry and the fact that making traffic diversions could worsen congestion in the area.The causeway served as an alternate route during the morning and evening rush hours. “Residents can easily reach Mount Road through the causeway from areas like Sundar Nagar and Defence Colony. The only problem was the lack of a parapet and proper lighting which made it dangerous,” said a Ekkatuthangal resident who used the path frequently.Another resident, T M Sreedhar, said the move to demolish it was welcome as traffic bottlenecks were common. “Only a car or a few two-wheelers could pass by at a time. During peak hours, traffic would get stuck for nearly 45minutes,” he said.At least two decades ago, when the bridge was non-existent, the causeway was the only means and was flooded after a short spell of rain. “It is good the authorities have realized it is an encroachment on the Adyar.”

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