Tirupati: MLA Arani Srinivasulu said steps are being taken to set up an integrated market where mutton, fish and vegetables will be available in one place. Along with in-charge Commissioner Sarada Devi, he inspected vegetable market built under Smart City Project at Akkarampalli and development works on Wednesday. Later, the MLA held a review meeting with all department heads. Officials explained progress of works.

Smart City Executive Engineer Rudraraju Ravi explained to MLA Arani that if permission for the integrated market is granted, it can be completed within six months.

SE Syam Sundar said the city has earthen roads for a stretch of 23 km and the old underground drainage system often faces leakage problems, adding that Rs 135 crore funds for construction of drainage channels will be approved soon. A second water pipeline from Puttur to Mangalam must be completed to ensure continuous drinking water supply and work on the second pipeline can be taken up only after the government gives clearance on the conditions set by TTD, he informed.

When MLA Srinivasulu asked for better management of Anna canteens, the in-charge Commissioner said two of the four Anna canteens in MR Palli could be moved to Jeevakona and Auto Nagar. She stated that the government will supply rice at subsidised rates if donors construct new Anna canteens. The MLA directed Health Officer Dr Yuva Anvesh Reddy to improve sanitation services. The Health Officer said garbage is collected in morning and afternoon, and cleaning is done at night. 17 sweeping machines are expected to arrive soon, which will improve cleanliness and reduce pressure on sanitation workers.

When MLA Arani told revenue officials to increase collections by 85 per cent, they informed him that TTD has not paid property tax since 2004, which amounted to Rs 136 crore. He urged officials to speed up the process of upgrading Tirupati to a Greater Corporation. In-charge Commissioner Sarada Devi said Collector Dr S Venkateswar is supervising the merger of panchayats.