Vanagaram and Adayalampattu Villages May Join GCC Amid Resident Concerns
The proposal to merge the Vanagaram and Adayalampattu village panchayats into the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has sparked a mix of optimism and concern among local residents. As part of the state government’s larger plan to reorganise local bodies, this proposal could significantly expand the GCC’s jurisdiction, extending its area to 442 square kilometres and increasing its population to over 6.7 million.
According to a statement issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department on December 31, 2024, the inclusion of these two village panchayats is expected to improve the quality of life in the area. However, this move is not without controversy, with many residents questioning the rationale behind the reorganisation, given the existing civic challenges. Once the merger is complete, the authorities will undertake a delimitation process, which will consider factors such as the number of electors, area size, and the development level of public amenities. While residents can submit objections within six weeks of the announcement, some have already raised concerns regarding the state of infrastructure in their areas.
Residents of both Vanagaram and Adayalampattu are particularly vocal about the need for urgent improvements to basic amenities. Issues such as poor drainage systems and inadequate water supply lines have plagued the areas for years. Ravishanker Kannan, a resident of Vanagaram’s Noombal Main Road, expressed frustration with the lack of proper drainage, recounting how it took four days for the water to drain after flooding in 2023. “The roads are full of potholes that need immediate repair,” he added, highlighting the everyday inconveniences caused by the neglect of basic infrastructure. Similarly, M. Ranganathan from Millennium Town in Adayalampattu shared similar grievances, particularly regarding flooding during the northeast monsoon. Residents are calling for the installation of underground drainage and water supply lines to address these long-standing issues. They are concerned that the inclusion of their areas into GCC will further delay these crucial developments, rather than speed up the much-needed improvements.
While residents of Vanagaram and Adayalampattu continue to demand urgent infrastructure upgrades, some leaders from resident welfare associations (RWAs) in areas added to the GCC in 2011 have questioned the feasibility of the reorganisation plan. A member of an RWA in Neelankarai, for instance, argued that the GCC is already struggling to manage the development needs of its existing areas. “If the GCC is finding it difficult to address basic issues in current areas, will it take another decade or more to see development in these newly added regions?” the RWA member asked, raising valid concerns about the capacity of the corporation to manage the increased burden. RWAs also pointed out that areas like CLRI, Kabalishwar Nagar, Khajuraho Gardens, and Ranga Reddy Gardens still suffer from incomplete stormwater drains, the absence of underground drainage systems, and poorly maintained public spaces. Despite some improvements, residents feel that the pace of development has been slow, and many issues remain unresolved. The excessive cable wires hanging from poles and trees, along with neglected garbage bins, continue to be a source of frustration.
The proposed merger of Vanagaram and Adayalampattu into the GCC has ignited a broader debate about the challenges of urban expansion and infrastructure management. While the move promises to enhance the administrative reach of the GCC, residents’ concerns about inadequate services highlight the pressing need for focused attention on improving civic infrastructure before expanding its reach. The state government and GCC officials will need to address these issues effectively to ensure that the merger leads to tangible improvements in the quality of life for all residents.
