Over 500 families at J J Nagar and Ambedkar Nagar in Chinna Allapuram, coming under 51st ward of Vellore Corporation, rued the lack of proper drainage system in the area. The residents were forced to clear pits that they had dug near their houses, in which water accumulated, and dump the wastes on empty plots. Owing to lack of proper drainage system, the place had become unhygienic and residents feared outbreak of diseases.
The residents, mostly beedi makers, daily labourers and scrap merchants, complained that they had demanded a drainage line to the area many a time but the matter was not given due priority. They said that they had pattas of their houses and were paying taxes to the local body regularly.
They complained that owing to unhygienic conditions, children often fell sick and some were diagnosed with dengue recently.
Zarina Begum (50), a resident of J J Nagar for the past 20 years, said that the residents in the area constructed toilets inside their houses 15 years ago and were clearing the wastes manually since then. She added that she had to empty around 40 pots of waste water daily. When someone bathed inside, another had to stand near the pit to clear water, she complained.
Nileema, a resident, complained of mosquito menace that had made living in the area difficult. The women’s sanitary complex in the area was the worst affected as waste disposed of there had led to stagnation of water.
Shammikumar, former Vice-Chairman of Allapuram Town Panchayat, said that the local body had prepared an estimate for the construction of drainage line in the area for around `5.5 lakh. However, the officials conducted inspections and opined that Under Ground Drainage System could only address the issue as the area was low-lying and the main line was on high ground.
Ward Councillor R Renugopal said that a drainage line could be laid in the area and Nicholson canal located nearby could be used for discharging wastes. The wastes then could be discharged into Palar river through the canal. He said that the officials cited lack of funds whenever he approached them.
Corporation Engineer E Devakumar said that the area was recently added to the Vellore Corporation and developmental activities were being carried out in these areas. Plan to include these areas under the Underground Drainage System was also on, he added.
Vellore Mayor P Kartiyayini said that the officials were asked to visit the areas and prepare a list of activities that were to be carried out. She also promised to take action immediately.