VELLORE: Lack of public and household toilets in Kansalpet and neighbouring areas has forced residents of the area to relieve themselves in the open.
Due to the absence of latrines, residents of Nehru Street, Ragavendara Theatre Road and Kansalpet are using the burial ground and the cemetery in Nehru Street near Shenbakkam for years now. Poor sanitation has become a major cause of concern, posing an even greater challenge during rainy days. Residents say they have no option but to relieve themselves in the open.
“What can we do if there is no public toilet in our area?,” asked a resident. The burial ground is not being maintained by the Corporation. Residents claim that foul smell emanating from the burial ground had added to their existing woes of sanitation for many years.
“Recently, I built toilets in my home. Most of the residents here are labourers and can’t afford toilets in their home. We have been demanding public toilets and also the maintenance of burial ground, but no action has been taken,” said Ravinchandar, of Nehru Street.
Saravanan, of Kansalpet said, “The foul smell will increase in rainy season. There is no compound wall in the burial ground and it is not being maintained by the civic body. People consuming alcohol inside the ground at night is another worry.”
Councillor of 58th ward B Mahalakshmi said, “I haven’t received any complaints. The burial ground will be ready in three months with compound wall. The estimated amount for the project is `3 lakh but still we haven’t received the work order.”