Vellore Corporation is gearing up to tackle several pressing issues in the coming weeks, prioritizing the swift completion of ongoing Underground Drainage (UGD) projects, a comprehensive sterilization drive for community dogs, and the resurfacing of crucial roads and intersections. These efforts, announced by Mayor Sujatha Anandakumar at a recent council meeting, are aimed at preparing the city before the northeast monsoon season arrives.
During the meeting, Mayor Sujatha addressed concerns raised by Councillor R. Rajini of Ward 11 regarding the growing stray dog population. In response, the Mayor outlined an ambitious plan to implement anti-rabies vaccinations and sterilization procedures for at least ten dogs in every ward. She also confirmed that the city’s sole Animal Birth Control center, located near the new bus terminus, would undergo immediate upgrades. To foster community involvement and effective problem-solving, zonal meetings are planned, bringing together residents, ward members, and civic officials to collaborate on solutions.
Recent estimates highlight the scale of the challenge: Vellore Corporation has identified over 37,000 community dogs across its four zones and 60 wards, a significant increase from the approximately 9,000 dogs recorded just a decade ago.
Another key priority, as stated by the Mayor, is the timely completion of the city’s extensive Underground Drainage (UGD) project before the monsoon. This massive ₹1,000 crore initiative, which commenced in 2019 (particularly its Phase II), involves laying 750 kilometers of sewer lines, establishing 16 pumping and lifting stations, and constructing two large Sewage Treatment Plants. So far, the Corporation has successfully resurfaced approximately 2,500 road segments where new drainage pipelines have been installed, with plans to complete the remaining stretches promptly.
During the session, several councillors emphasized the importance of shifting to monthly council meetings, arguing that the current schedule of once every three or four months severely limits their ability to consistently voice public grievances. For instance, P. Sivasankari, Ward Member 9, pointed out a critical design flaw: the new storm water drain on VIT Road, particularly near the Chittoor bus stop in Katpadi, is only 1.5 meters deep. She urged for a redesign to increase its depth to at least two meters, deeming it essential for effective rainwater discharge in these low-lying, monsoon-prone areas.
Corporation Commissioner R. Lakshmanan provided an update on water supply, confirming that efforts are underway to initiate water distribution to the tail-end areas of Gandhi Nagar in Katpadi, utilizing a recently constructed Overhead Tank (OHT). The necessary water pipeline testing is currently being conducted by TWAD, the agency responsible for supplying water to the civic body.
Concluding the three-hour council meeting, chaired by the Mayor, a resolution was successfully passed to approve 149 development projects, with an estimated total cost of ₹320 crore.