NHAI to request Vellore Corporation to build wide culvert on Chenganatham Hill Road to prevent water stagnation

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to request Vellore Corporation to construct a wide culvert at the intersection of Chenganatham Hill Road and service lane of Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) at Rangapuram near Collectorate office to prevent seepage of sewage water on the carriageway.

NHAI officials said that continuous movement of lorries and trucks on the stretch to private quarries at the foothills has damaged the stormwater drain, which collects wastewater from households at the intersection of the stretch.

As a result, the carriageway at the intersection and service lane gets waterlogged. “We will request Vellore Corporation to construct a wide culvert to prevent waterlogging at the intersection and damage to the carriageway. During monsoon, motor pump sets are used to pump out stagnated water at the intersection,” said a NHAI official.

At present, Vellore Corporation maintains Chenganatham Hill Road. Areas like Rangapuram and Mullakollai, that come under ward 24 of Zone-II of Vellore Corporation, are located along the stretch. “The idea to construct a culvert at the intersection will be discussed with NHAI. Allocation of funds for the work also involves a nod from the general council meeting,” R. Lakshman, Commissioner, Vellore Corporation, told The Hindu.

A few stone quarries also operate near the hillock on the stretch. Government buses also ply between hamlets in the hillock and town areas. “School students and senior citizens have to use slushy and waterlogged intersections during rain. They slip and fall on the stagnant sewage. A permanent solution should be implemented,” said B. Satish, a motorist.