Clogged channel irks Sathuvachari residents

Situated less than a km from the Collectorate at Sathuvachari on the Vellore-Chennai National Highway, the lack of garbage bins results in locals dumping their garbage in the channel, which carries rain water and sewage from nearby houses. Additionally, over 200 cows and buffaloes are raised here, generating a fair amount of dung. “Occasionally, the owners dump the manure in the channel. But when it is done during the rain, it mixes with the slush and flows on the road to the channel, creating a health hazard,” says local resident Jothiram.

Residents allege that the Corporation has not maintained the facilities provided by the state government. A Rs.1.5 lakh mini toilet complex inaugurated by the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa through video conferencing is dilapidated today and filled with filth. Officials said the toilet was sanctioned when Sathuvachary was a town panchayat, but fell into to disuse after the locality was absorbed by the then newly created Vellore Municipal Corporation.

Residents also bemoan the fact a new park in the area remains under lock and key and has not even been given a name. When asked about the residents woes, officials said, “The channel water will not overflow into streets if only residents allowed garbage bins to be placed at strategic locations. As residents oppose this, no bins are available and so garbage is dumped directly into the channel, blocking it.” Activists said residents and the local body should work together to end the civic issues.