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Dravidian Model: Media Reports Fines Levied On Cars Parked On Flyovers Amid Heavy Rain, Chennai Traffic Police Refutes Claim

The Commune

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have officially denied claims made by Tamil news channels that circulated on 14 October 2024, regarding fines issued to cars parked in Velachery flyover.

With heavy rain alerts in effect for the next four days across Tamil Nadu, residents in Velachery and Pallikaranai parked their vehicles on a flyover, anticipating potential flash flooding. A video of the scene went viral, showing cars lined up along the bridge.

Following this, several Tamil news outlets, including Sun News and Puthiya Thalaimurai, reported that the traffic police were issuing ₹500 fines to those vehicles. Some car owners, who called to discuss their parked cars, expressed their frustration and stated they would not retrieve their vehicles until the rain subsided. This situation highlights the challenges Chennai faces during heavy rainfall and the associated flood risks.

However, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police via its official X account clarified that, “There has been a rumor circulating that the Traffic Police are fining vehicles parked on the bridges. Greater Chennai Traffic Police want to clarify that no such action is being taken. No such vehicles are charged. Strict instructions are given to all the traffic police personnel in Chennai city.”

“To further assist the public during the monsoon season, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police are taking additional steps to ensure convenience. Our Police Control Room will help citizens find nearby parking spots, ensuring that vehicles are parked safely and conveniently during the challenging weather. The safety and comfort of the public are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing the necessary support. Traffic Control Rooms North & West 044-23452330 South & East 044-23452362” It added.

With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for October 16, 2024, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai and its surrounding areas, residents rushed to stock up on essential goods on 14 October 2024. People living in flood-prone regions hurried to park their vehicles on flyovers, despite warnings from the Chennai City Traffic Police that such parking would result in fines.

In response to the situation, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed officials to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on October 15, which was designated an orange alert day. He also advised IT companies in these areas to allow employees to work from home from October 15 to 18.

To prepare for the impending weather, 1,181 relief camps have been established and 469 boats have been made available. These measures are being taken as the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts the Northeast monsoon’s arrival over the southern peninsula by 16 or 17 October 2024. The IMD warned that some areas in Chennai and nearby districts, as well as five districts in the north and delta regions, could experience “extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm.”

Amid these warnings, many residents in Chennai, particularly in low-lying Velachery, chose to park their cars on flyovers, ignoring the threat of fines. One resident, Balaji Vaidyanathan, shared, “During the December floods, my sedan was submerged, costing me ₹80,000 in repairs. I can’t afford that again. Even if I get fined for unauthorized parking over four days, it will only amount to ₹4,000, much less than repair costs.”

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