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Residents of Vallalar Nagar (Phase-3), near the Office of the Collectorate, staged a protest on Thursday against the conversion of the government community centre into a strong room to store EVM machines for the 2027 local body elections.

Residents said the existing community centre was built more than three decades ago to serve families below poverty line (BPL) in the area. The facility has been a lifeline for poor families to conduct private family functions at low cost.

“Apart from private functions, free medical camps and blood donation camps are also organised in the hall every three months. The facility is easily accessible for residents as it is located at the centre of a residential colony,” said D. Anand Prabakar, secretary, Vallalar (Phase-III) Residents Welfare Association.

Corporation officials said work to store EVMs at the centre began more than six months ago, after field verification of the site, to ensure the safety of the machines.

Subsequently, local ward councillors and civic staff were informed about the use of the centre for election purposes. The proposal had also received the District Collector’s approval before being sent to the Election Commission (EC), which too gave its nod recently.

“During field visits, residents had not opposed the proposal to store EVMs at the centre. The EVMs will be kept at the facility till the elections are held. Till then, the residents can use the adjacent community centre,” R. Lakshmanan, Commissioner, Vellore Corporation, told The Hindu.

On Thursday, a team of election officials and civic staff visited the centre to store EVMs for the upcoming polls. More than 20 large steel boxes, each comprising at least 50 EVMs, were kept at the centre.

As part of the security measures, CCTV cameras have been installed in the control room of the Collectorate office to monitor the centre. A duty police constable has also been posted.

Residents said the Corporation had not provided an alternative facility to conduct functions.

Spread across more than 2,000 sq.ft, the community centre consists of a common hall capable of accommodating 60 persons. It has water taps, lighting, washrooms, diesel generators, and a parking area. The civic body charges a nominal fee for using the facility.

“The community centre also serves as a platform for organising Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. Residents also hold welfare association meetings at the facility to discuss civic issues,” G. Mohan, a resident, said.