While the real estate market in Chennai's Vandalur area is witnessing rapid growth, the local population continues to endure severe hardships due to a glaring absence of fundamental civic infrastructure. This stark contrast between development and daily struggle has left the residents of the village panchayat deeply frustrated and concerned for their health and safety.
Infrastructure in Disrepair and Environmental Hazards
The most visible signs of neglect are the damaged roads that crisscross the panchayat. These roads lack proper stormwater drains, exacerbating problems during the monsoon. A more critical issue is the complete absence of an underground drainage system (UGDS). This failure leads to untreated sewage flowing directly into the nearby Vandalur lake, creating a significant environmental threat and raising serious public health concerns for the community.
Access to clean water remains a privilege for only a few. T V Sivakumar, president of the Venkatesapuram Residents Welfare Mandram, highlighted the disparity. "Only the Venkatesapuram area has a water supply, and that too only after we secured an overhead tank following numerous petitions," he explained. He pointed out that many other localities within the village panchayat's jurisdiction are entirely dependent on water tankers for their daily needs, a precarious and unreliable situation.
Garbage Menace and Stray Dog Attacks
Another pressing civic failure is in solid waste management. Garbage collection is erratic, occurring only once or twice a week. This infrequency forces residents to dump waste on vacant plots and roadsides. Sivakumar stated that despite promises from panchayat officials to clear the piles, no effective action has been taken to date.
This mismanagement has a dangerous consequence: a severe stray dog menace. R Vedarathinam, vice-president of the Venkatesapuram Association, reported that over 30 stray dogs roam every street, making nighttime travel hazardous. "Last month alone, three people were bitten, and tragically, one person died from a dog bite," Vedarathinam revealed, underscoring the immediate danger posed by the neglected garbage problem.
Official Response and Future Hopes
When confronted with these complaints, Tambaram commissioner S Balachander offered a future-oriented solution. He indicated that Vandalur would soon be brought under the Tambaram Corporation after the ongoing delimitation process is completed. However, for the current plight, he emphasized that the village panchayat itself is responsible for addressing the residents' urgent necessities.
For now, the people of Vandalur are caught in a difficult paradox, living in an area marked by property development but starved of the most basic services essential for a safe and healthy life.
