Tiruchi Corporation Council meeting sees fierce protests over irregular water supply, malfunctioning streetlights, and acute shortage of sanitation workers. Mayor promises infrastructure upgrades ahead of monsoon.
Key Takeaways
- Frequent power outages and inadequate pumping time causing water shortages.
- Dim 20-watt LED streetlights raising safety concerns in residential wards.
- Severe shortage of sanitation workers and electricians delaying essential services.
- Panjapur Sewage Treatment Plant expected to be operational by August.
The recent Tiruchi City Corporation Council meeting, presided over by Mayor M. Anbazhagan, turned into a battlefield of grievances as councillors highlighted the crumbling civic infrastructure. The primary points of contention included the erratic distribution of drinking water, malfunctioning streetlights, and a critical shortage of frontline workers required for sanitation and maintenance.
The Water Crisis: Power and Pumping Issues
A significant portion of the meeting was dominated by the drinking water crisis. Councillor V. Ramadoss (Ward 55) staged a sit-in protest, emphasizing that the Jaya Nagar overhead tank remains underfilled due to recurring power shutdowns and insufficient pumping durations. Residents are struggling to fill their domestic tanks, leading to widespread discontent. In response, the Mayor assured that the 24x7 drinking water supply scheme would be rolled out in Jaya Nagar, Star Nagar, and Karumandapam by July, noting that trial runs are currently underway.
Safety at Risk: Dim Lights and Maintenance Delays
Public safety emerged as another major concern, with councillors slamming the installation of inadequate 20-watt LED streetlights in residential areas like Khajamalai and Ponmalai. Councillor P. Jaffer Ali pointed out that dozens of lights were damaged during the recent monsoon, yet repairs remain stalled due to a shortage of skilled electricians. This lack of maintenance has left several wards in near-darkness, heightening security fears among residents.
Sanitation and Infrastructure Management
The administrative efficiency of the Corporation was also called into question regarding manpower. Councillors reported a drastic reduction in sanitation staff; for instance, Ward 65 has seen its workforce drop from 40 to just 23. Furthermore, the irregular deployment of garbage collection vehicles has led to waste accumulation along roadsides. To mitigate monsoon-related disasters, the Mayor announced that estimates are being prepared for desilting storm-water drains and road patchwork. Additionally, the Panjapur Sewage Treatment Plant is slated to become operational by August, marking a crucial step for the city's underground drainage project.
