Two decades ago GN Chetty road was a nice, wide and salubrious road with a few sprawling bungalows. Today , the stretch presents a very different scenario with milling crowd of vehicles spanning the road end to end with buzzing commercial established interspersed with few residences. Now the skyline is dotted with tall buildings with no trace of greenery. GN Chetty road is an artery of T.nagar had a piquant charm with dense vegetation where the sun shafts tried in vain to penetrate.
I have sauntered in this road numerous times enjoying the cool breeze as it was a walkers paradise. It presented a totally different picture then as it resembled a Pastoral haven. It had a picture post card appearance. There were tall trees lined on either side of the road as sentinels which formed green canopy. The road looked like a boulevard and it was rather difficult to find out the part of the day as the verdant landscape misguided us.
The bungalows had an old world charm which casts a magic spell on the passers by. Residing there was a matter of pride and a symbol of sophistication and wealth. Jeeva park the pride of the place is still sustaining in spite of the pollution and chaos. This natural spot is like a herbarium and ideal place for joggers and walkers. A play ground opposite the park is a get away for students who indulge in athletic activities.
The Vintage Vani Mahal with its broad facade was camouflaged in mango and other trees which lent charm to this hall. During the December music season this hall was sought after for its proximity to the other areas. Now it is nightmare going to this place as it is a rigmarole reaching this spot.
Many families of the Vummidi Bangaru Chetty clan who resided here relocated to other areas because of the changing face of the road.
The winds of change is blowing strongly disrupting normal life . Trees have been mercilessly cut leaving the road bereft of any natural shade.
What was once a sanctuary of peace which captivated the imagination of the people is being deliberately disfigured.
The famous on-progress flyover is disrupting normal life throwing every one out of gear. Will it provide the desired results? A famous medical practitioner's house which is a temple for many patients is being hid on the side of the flyover and has sunk into oblivion.
Dr KV Thiruvengadam a doyen among doctors is an old resident of this area and people have to grope for his residence. People are averse driving through his road as the traffic splurge has made this road a metropolitan misery. The jewel which used to decorate T Nagar has now become a choker.
Usha Raja