Garbage problem continues to haunt Vellore district

“In most areas, metal garbage bins have been removed. The accumulated garbage is left at the spot in plastic bags and is rarely cleaned up,” said Maragatham, a 60-years-old resident of the area.

Residents had sought DMK MLA P Karthikeyan’s help to redress their grievances as local body representatives are allegedly not available. “The corporation never consults me for anything. Corruption is rampant and nobody bothers about clean surroundings,” said Karthikeyan. 

However, corporation commissioner C Vijayakumar denies of any complaint over the garbage issue. “The solid waste management scheme works well in 42 centres and we have not received any complaints of piled up garbage,” he said. But the photo available with DT Next and taken on Tuesday contradicts his claim. 

In the cash-strapped Wallajahpet municipality, the garbage bins were corroded and the officials approached Ranipet DMK MLA R Gandhi for help. Speaking to DT Next, he said, “Municipal officials sought my help as they lack both finance and staff. The companies immediately provided 25 garbage bins worth Rs 20 lakh which were handed over to the local body by Collector SA Raman.” In another instance, he said, a private company provided medical equipment worth Rs 5 lakh to the Wallajahpet government hospital on his request.