The Tambaram Corporation in Chennai is tackling a growing problem: the increasing number of stray dogs in the southern suburb. During a recent council meeting, Corporation Commissioner S Balachander announced plans to build more animal birth control centers. However, the announcement sparked a debate as many councilors felt that expanding these centers without hiring more doctors would be ineffective. Currently, a single doctor serves all 70 wards, with only ten workers and two pick-up vehicles dedicated to handling stray dogs. The corporation currently sterilizes an average of 12 dogs per month, falling short of their target of 30. Councilor Indiran S from Irumbuliyur’s ward 62 highlighted the inconsistency in the existing animal birth control centers. “Workers from existing animal birth control centres in Anakaputhur, Bharathipuram and Gundumedu do not come to catch stray dogs for sterilisation regularly. They come only after we file complaints,” he said. Commissioner Balachander acknowledged the staffing limitations, stating, “We need a team of at least five people for each zone to conduct inspections and raids. We need more vehicles to transport the dogs safely. We have floated tenders and will buy vehicles soon.” Beyond the stray dog issue, residents have expressed concerns regarding water taxes charged by the corporation. “Many residents have complained about incorrect assessment of water tax. The corporation has randomly increased sqft figures. Residents who do not have water connections are being asked to pay. They are forced to pay when they seek clarification,” said Chitapakkam (ward 44) councillor Jagan C. Corporation officials admitted to confusion regarding the tax assessments. “We had demand notices. There might have been errors. We also want to reassess zonal rates for better tax assessment,” an official stated. The corporation is forming a team to address resident grievances regarding water taxes in the coming weeks. The council meeting also highlighted the corporation’s struggle with staffing vacancies. New Colony (ward 28) councillor Vijayalakshmi G questioned the corporation’s reliance on outsourcing workers when assistant engineers and executive engineers are already employed. “Each zone has at least 10 vacancies. We must outsource workers to fill this gap,” Vasanthakumari K said. The corporation aims to fill these vacancies by the end of the year. These challenges highlight the need for the Tambaram Corporation to address these issues effectively to improve the quality of life for residents in the southern suburb of Chennai.
