Bushes and water hyacinth found in abundance obstructing the flow of water in the Perumpallam Odai in Erode, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday.

| Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN M.

Dense growth of bushes, trees, and water hyacinth has choked several streams in Erode city, obstructing the natural flow of water and raising fears of flooding during heavy rain.Perumpallam Odai and Pichaikaran Pallam Odai, which are two major drainage channels in Erode city, along with tributaries such as Naripallam, Sunnambu, Kollampalayam, Kasipalayam, Rangampalayam, Sathya Nagar and Sengodampalayam Odais, have vegetation for long stretches. Sewage and industrial effluents discharged into these water channels have further reduced their carrying capacity.Residents said thick vegetation has narrowed the channels and impeded free flow of rainwater. “Though desilting and improvement works were taken up along Perumpallam Odai under the Smart Cities Mission, the project remains incomplete even after several years. Bushes and water hyacinth have spread across many stretches, blocking the flow of water,” said a resident near Stoney Bridge.Residents alleged that little attention was paid to tributaries such as Kasipalayam Odai and Rangampalayam Odai, and stagnant sewage trapped by the vegetation had resulted in foul odour and mosquito breeding in several neighbourhoods.“Large stretches of the waterways are choked with shrubs, trees, and water hyacinth. If these are not cleared before the monsoon, even moderate rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas,” said Kasilingam, a resident of Rangampalayam.Residents also pointed to the stream passing through Ellapalayam in Ward 10. Originating near Nasiyanur before joining the Karuvilparai Valasu pond, the stream had heavily overgrown vegetation, restricting the movement of water.Residents have urged the civic body to expedite the works. Timely removal of bushes, trees, water hyacinth and silt would restore the waterways’ drainage capacity and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.Corporation officials said desilting and vegetation-clearing works would be taken up before the onset of the northeast monsoon. Published - July 08, 2026 05:50 pm IST