Better flood prevention system, less TASMAC outlets, a new bus terminus, a general hospital — these are some of the dreams of Vyasarpadi locals as they go to choose their representative in Lok Sabha elections on Friday.
As many as 1,500 families of Vyasarpadi have signed and submitted representations to candidates DMK’s Kalainidhi Veerasamy and AIADMK candidate R. Manohar.
In the list of demands, people have requested for a robust infrastructure and better living conditions. They have asked for water facilities in housing board flats and, significantly, the State government or the Centre to take full financial responsibility for the houses. The demands also include a library and an e-seva centre. “Keeping in mind the welfare of people and damage to the environment, the Kodungaiyur dumpyard must be reclaimed as a wetland,” the representation states.
Put together by volunteers of Vyasai Thozhargal, a youth collective working to educate children of the locality, the list was collated after door-to-door consultations with residents of JJR Nagar, Sathyamoorthy Nagar, Mullai Nagar, MGR Nagar, MKB Nagar, Damodar Nagar in Vyasarpadi. Residents were first educated about the election, the roles of an MP, and the candidates.
Sarath Kumar, advocate and a volunteer of Vyasai Thozhargal, said raising awareness among the public was key as many did not know anything about the polls or candidates. “At first they expressed a lack of interest in the polls, but once they were apprised of the importance of elections and voting, they started listing issues relating to cleanliness, a well-stocked hospital, better education for children, and more,” he said.
