DMK candidate outlines civic plans for Mylapore constituency (original) (raw)

The demand for land titles (pattas) by the fishing community in the Mylapore Assembly constituency reached a critical administrative stage six months ago, just before the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, said DMK candidate Dha Velu.

Fisherfolk recently held a demonstration against Mr. Velu, incumbent MLA of Mylapore. When asked about it, he said: “Only six months ago, we spoke to everyone and reached a decision. Now what they are asking is the next stage—pattas. If I agree to issue land titles just to get votes, it will be a problem for me later. Instead, it will be handled in a legally appropriate manner.” Nearly 50% of the planned relocation for tenements has already been initiated, he added.

Meanwhile, he was welcomed in Teynampet area under this constituency recently, where he rode a white horse while canvassing votes.

Flooding issues at Seethammal Colony and Vivekananda College were addressed during his tenure by diverting water through four new drainage lines across Vivekananda College Road, Veerapadira Koil Street, Luz, and Nageswara Park, he said.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said the focus, if re-elected, would be on expediting ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly Metro Rail construction that is causing traffic congestion for commuters. To tackle this and boost the local economy in high-density areas like Mundagakanniamman Koil Street and Katcheri Road, he proposed creating a “food street” that could help ease traffic movement by drawing activity into designated zones once construction is completed.

Safety concerns

“I played a part in reducing the number of TASMAC outlets in Mylapore to just three, but many then began drinking in unmonitored spots. To counter this, a full-fledged surveillance network along with localised police booths in every area functionioning as camera control rooms was proposed,” the DMK candidate said. He added that raising awareness remains the only sustainable way to address substance abuse in the community.

The creation of more OSR parks and grounds is also under consideration, he said.

While 16 gyms were built during his tenure, many are currently underutilised due to waning public interest, which, he said, would be revived.

No competition

He acknowledged that vendors occupying the parking lot instead of the allotted outlets at the Loop Road fish market remains an issue, noting that the current “zig-zag” layout is inconvenient, and proposed forming a committee to redesign the facility to better support their livelihoods.

Published - April 21, 2026 05:30 am IST