J. Gomathi has been waiting for 10 years for a ration card. Her application was processed, rejected, and now is back to the processing stage. “I have given up. They made me run from pillar to post. I quit my job as my meagre income could not be used to buy rice and other commodities,” she said.

The increase in prices of essential commodities, along with environmental pollution in the heavily industrialised area, has caused concern for residents of the Tiruvottiyur constituency in Tiruvallur district.

Home to a working class electorate, small business owners, and a sizeable fisherfolk population due to its long coastline, this Assembly segment represents Chennai’s evolving socio-economic landscape. It comprises portions of Manali, Tiruvottiyur, Kaladipet, Kathivakkam, and Ennore.

Metro Rail’s construction has given the constituency a much-needed boost in transportation, with many residents calling it the biggest boon in recent years.

One concern that residents want addressed at the earliest is environmental pollution.

Following the oil and gas leak in Ennore in 2023, residents note that unchecked pollution in waterbodies and air has resulted in health problems. “We acknowledge that there are employment opportunities, but they come at the cost of our health. It’s important that the government enforce stringent checks on the fertiliser, oil and other companies in the area to ensure public safety,” said Kishore, a long-time resident.

Other concerns include inadequate drinking water supply, provided only on alternate days, and increase in power cuts, especially at night. “We store water so that we have enough. Those who have borewells are better off. But the power outages at night, which last for over two hours, are concerning,” said J. Ramani, resident of Tiruvottiyur.

In the last couple of years, Ennore saw the inauguration of Ennore Bus Stand, Kathivakkam Public Library, and an Urban Primary Health Centre, apart from the Ennore Creek Restoration Project.

Rajamanikam of Thazhankuppam said the old sewer system in the housing board quarters was coming apart, causing sewage to spill onto the streets. Pointing to a dried-up sewage pond near the quarters, he said. “This has worsened the mosquito problem in the area. We can’t step out after 5 p.m. due to this. Nobody comes for fumigation or to clear the sewage,” he added.

In Manali, residents raised concerns of inundation, apart from environmental pollution. “Though the intensity at which they occur has reduced, there are still health-related concerns. Further, there is a demand that the dried-up pond on Varadarsan Street be made into a playground or a library be built there. It’s turning into a dump yard now — a safety hazard for the public,” said Sai Pooja, a resident of Manali.

Locals also stressed the need for better transportation and demand that the Metro be extended to Manali. “As Tiruvottiyur and Madhavaram have Metro stations, the line should also be extended to include our area for better connectivity,” said Madhu, another resident.

The constituency has elected MLAs from various political parties but alternated between the two major Dravidian parties in recent years. The DMK won in the constituency in the last two elections.

This time, CPI(M), part of the DMK alliance, has fielded L. Sundararajan, AIADMK K. Kuppan, NTK Sathya Bhaskar, and TVK Senthilkumar to contest in the Assembly election.

Mr. Sundararajan, a native of Manali, said if voted to power, he would focus on demands such as employment of fishers and environmental measures.

Pointing out that the working class cannot afford to pay a rent of ₹10,000 for a small room, Mr. Kuppan said he would address the issue of pattas and rising rent. “Residents have raised concern about pollution. While this will be addressed, pattas for long-time residents will also be ensured,” he said.