Residents of Sawyerpuram and CPI (M) members who came to the Thoothukudi Collectorate on Monday seeking drinking water pipe issues.
| Photo Credit: N. RAJESH
Members of CPI(M) have submitted a petition at the Thoothukudi District Collectorate on Monday, alleging irregularities in the distribution of household drinking water connections in Sawyerpuram town panchayat.The petition was submitted at the weekly grievance redress meeting chaired by Thoothukudi District Collector Vishu Mahajan.The petition submitted by CPI(M)’s Sawyerpuram town secretary A. Swamidhas, along with residents and party members, stated that the long-pending demand for household drinking water connections was currently being implemented in Sawyerpuram. However, they alleged that the project was being carried out with several irregularities and administrative lapses.According to the petition, the official deposit and centage charges for the water connection are being collected as prescribed. However, contractors are allegedly demanding ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 without issuing any official receipt, claiming it is for installing valves and completing the connection. The petition stated that the water connections were reportedly being provided only after this unofficial payment is made.The petitioners have urged the District Collector to conduct an inquiry into the allegations, refund the illegally collected money to the public and take action against the contractor involved.The petition also pointed out that roads dug up for laying water pipelines have not been restored, causing significant inconvenience to residents and students. It urged the authorities to immediately restore the dug up roads.Another petition submitted by A. Santhanam, deputy secretary of AIADMK, Thoothukudi South, highlighted the absence of warning signs and safety barricades installed in Third Mile, where Puckle canal widening work was being carried out by the Thoothukudi corporation.The petition stated that as part of the project, trenches about 10 feet deep have been dug in a narrow stretch. It has alleged that no warning signs or barricades have been installed. Since it is a busy road with heavy traffic throughout the day, motorists, especially two-wheelers, were at risk of falling into the deep trenches at night, resulting in injuries and vehicle damage, the petition added.Mr. Santhanam has requested the District Collector to inspect the site, install safety barricades along the canal and ensure that streetlights were restored to prevent accidents. Published - August 03, 2026 07:57 pm IST
