Coimbatore, Dec. 6
The pipeline laying work under way in the Vadavalli - Veerakeralam - Kaundampalayam stretch under the ‘Combined Drinking Water Supply Scheme’ has been causing inconvenience to the residents of Vembu Avenue. “The roads are extremely damaged and not a day goes by without an incident of someone falling off from two wheelers,” said Ravi, a resident of the area.

The work started six months ago. “We thought roads would be re-laid after the completion, but roads were left battered now,” says Larksome, another resident. She added that the residents welcome projects like Vadavalli- Veerakeralam- Kaundampalayam Combined Water supply Scheme which is aimed at augmenting water supply to the area, but it needs to be carried out with minimum inconvenience to the public.
This combined water scheme to augment water supply to Vadavalli,Veerakeralam and Kauvandampalayam areas of the city was started in September 2016 and is likely to be completed by September 2018, said an official of Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD).

When contacted, Corporation officials said, if the roads are re-laid before the completion of the scheme, identifying and rectifying defects in the pipes would become cumbersome. Portion of roads would need to be dug up to identify the defects if any in the pipes. So, the best way to address the existing conditions of roads is to fill them with gravel within a week or two.

After the monsoon, the condition of roads is worse. “On the one hand, open storm water drains in Picchipu Street act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while four streets out of ten in Vembu Avenue have been left without storm water drainage facilities,” added Ravi.
While assuring that the issue of open storm water drains in the Picchipu Street would be addressed soon, the officials added that construction of storm water drains in the added areas of the Corporation will gather momentum soon.

Also, the menace of stray dogs also confronts the residents of Vembu Avenue.
Gopalakrishnan, a retired government servant, said: "There are more than 50 stray dogs in Siddhi Vinayagar colony (adjacent to Vembu Avenue) posing a threat to people.” Senthura Street, Kurnichi Street, Ganga Street and Abirami Street of Vembu Avenue are also plagued by the issue.

According to Dr. E.Senthilnathan, VOC Park Zoo Director, who deals with the menace of stray dogs in the city, said, “The issue is prevalent in several parts of the city. Sterilisation of stray dogs is the only option available to control their population and save the lives of people.”
“We receive several complaints from public about stray dogs, but we have to act within the legal framework, “ he added.
Public expect stray dogs to be culled at any cost, but existing law doesn't permit it. Stray dogs are now being identified and sterilised. Once sterilised, they are released into the same area where they were caught as per existing rules. This irks residents,” said the doctor.
The residents of Vembu Avenue hope that Corporation authorities addressed civic issues at the earliest.
The pipeline laying work under way in the Vadavalli - Veerakeralam - Kaundampalayam stretch under the ‘Combined Drinking Water Supply Scheme’ has been causing inconvenience to the residents of Vembu Avenue. “The roads are extremely damaged and not a day goes by without an incident of someone falling off from two wheelers,” said Ravi, a resident of the area.

The work started six months ago. “We thought roads would be re-laid after the completion, but roads were left battered now,” says Larksome, another resident. She added that the residents welcome projects like Vadavalli- Veerakeralam- Kaundampalayam Combined Water supply Scheme which is aimed at augmenting water supply to the area, but it needs to be carried out with minimum inconvenience to the public.
This combined water scheme to augment water supply to Vadavalli,Veerakeralam and Kauvandampalayam areas of the city was started in September 2016 and is likely to be completed by September 2018, said an official of Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD).

When contacted, Corporation officials said, if the roads are re-laid before the completion of the scheme, identifying and rectifying defects in the pipes would become cumbersome. Portion of roads would need to be dug up to identify the defects if any in the pipes. So, the best way to address the existing conditions of roads is to fill them with gravel within a week or two.

After the monsoon, the condition of roads is worse. “On the one hand, open storm water drains in Picchipu Street act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while four streets out of ten in Vembu Avenue have been left without storm water drainage facilities,” added Ravi.
While assuring that the issue of open storm water drains in the Picchipu Street would be addressed soon, the officials added that construction of storm water drains in the added areas of the Corporation will gather momentum soon.

Also, the menace of stray dogs also confronts the residents of Vembu Avenue.
Gopalakrishnan, a retired government servant, said: "There are more than 50 stray dogs in Siddhi Vinayagar colony (adjacent to Vembu Avenue) posing a threat to people.” Senthura Street, Kurnichi Street, Ganga Street and Abirami Street of Vembu Avenue are also plagued by the issue.

According to Dr. E.Senthilnathan, VOC Park Zoo Director, who deals with the menace of stray dogs in the city, said, “The issue is prevalent in several parts of the city. Sterilisation of stray dogs is the only option available to control their population and save the lives of people.”
“We receive several complaints from public about stray dogs, but we have to act within the legal framework, “ he added.
Public expect stray dogs to be culled at any cost, but existing law doesn't permit it. Stray dogs are now being identified and sterilised. Once sterilised, they are released into the same area where they were caught as per existing rules. This irks residents,” said the doctor.
The residents of Vembu Avenue hope that Corporation authorities addressed civic issues at the earliest.