Rapid development, depleting groundwater levels dominate campaign in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar zone
The Hindu
Stormwater drains, healthcare facilities and parks are some of the long-pending demands of the residents
With several wards in its jurisdiction coming under the Kolathur constituency, which is represented of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the spotlight is on Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar zone in the campaign for Greater Chennai Corporation Council election.
The focus of the campaign in parts of Perambur, Kolathur and Pulianthope has been on stormwater drains, spaces for recreation, institutions of higher education, issuance of patta, public transportation, last-mile connectivity, water supply and public health infrastructure. Kolathur Rajaji Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association Member S. Prabakaran said residents had been asking for better stormwater drains, parks and libraries in the area. “We submitted a petition to the Corporation in 2018 for stormwater drains but the Corporation invited us for a meeting about flood mitigation only last month in Ripon Buildings,” he said.
The election authorities are gearing up for the counting of votes cast in the simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, scheduled to be held on June 4. The Collectors and Election Officers of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts said on May 23 (Thursday) that their teams were ready for the counting of votes.
Responding to the prolonged water scarcity, the residents of the area took to the streets in protest on Wednesday. The protest, which drew attention to their plight, stopped only after the intervention of the police. It was not until 1.30 p.m. that a 4000-litre tanker was finally delivered by BWSSB, providing relief to the water-starved residents.