The overflowing storm-water drain causes inconvenience to residents of Viswasnagar at Karumandapam in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
Poor maintenance of drainage systems in many residential colonies of Karumandapam has evoked strong criticism among residents.Thiru Nagar, Viswas Nagar, Sakthi Nagar, Alpha Nagar, RMS Colony, and IOB Nagar are among the residential areas situated along the southern side of the Tiruchi-Dindigul Highway. According to a rough estimate, there are about 5,000 households in these areas. Most of them were built 25 to 30 years ago. However, the residents face extreme difficulty due to the poor drainage system.The domestic sewage from households travels through open drains on crossroads and joins main drains on main roads and then in a major drain on the highway. The open drains were constructed about 20 years ago. Cracks have developed at several spots on the drainages. In some places, open drains have suffered severe damages.Most drains were choked at various points, thereby checking the flow of sewage. It is common to see sewage overflowing at various places. Residents invariably encounter odour emanating from the stagnated sewage. Though the issue is common in several residential pockets in Karurmandapam, it is said that Thiru Nagar, Viswas Nagar, R.M.S. Colony, and Alpha Nagar have been hit hard.“Filthy smell that emanates from the open drains makes life difficult for the residents. No one, including the passers-by, can escape from it. It is needless to say that drains have become breeding ground for mosquitoes,” says E. Mohamed Ali, a long time resident of Thiru Nagar.Residents said that open drains were constructed on faulty lines. Proper study had not been done when the drains were constructed. Moreover, the contractors had failed to provide level of the drains so as to ensure free flow of sewage. In some areas, particularly on Thiru Nagar Main Road and Tiruchi-Dindigul highway, traders and shopkeepers have encroached the drainages.It is alleged that some traders dump waste and food left over in the drains. The underground drainage work was also not completed.Mr. Ali said though the residents welfare associations had brought the issue to the notice of the authorities of Tiruchi Corporation and elected representatives on several occasions, the issue had not been solved. The Corporation should study the issue in detail and take preventive steps to remove the silt. The problem should be solved permanently. Published - June 13, 2026 06:39 pm IST
