Pamphlets on privatisation of drinking water irk councillors in Salem Corporation

With the majority of the councillors opposing the privatisation of the drinking water supply in Salem Corporation, the private company distributing pamphlets with its logo and an illustration of Salem Corporation to residents, along with newspapers, has irked councillors.

In February 2026, in order to supply drinking water 24×7, the Salem Corporation awarded a tender to a private company for 25 years. Since the beginning, most of the political parties opposed this move. Meanwhile, in a council meeting held on June 29, Salem Mayor A. Ramachandran reversed their stand and cancelled the tender.  However, the State government clarified that it had revised the administrative sanction of the project to ₹1,035.61 crore. Notably, on June 19, 2026, an agreement was signed between the private company and the Salem Corporation Commissioner at the Secretariat stating that the project will be maintained for the next 25 years by the private company at a cost of ₹3,259.73 crore.

On September 25, the Mayor and DMK councillors staged a sit-in protest at the Corporation premises for 12 hours for various demands, including to cancel the tender provided to the private company. Meanwhile, on Sunday (September 27), the private company circulated pamphlets attached with newspapers about the advantages of the privatisation of the drinking water supply. 

Opposition leader in Salem Corporation, N. Yadhavamoorthy (AIADMK), alleged that the DMK is creating a drama in this issue as the scheme was introduced by the DMK. On behalf of the AIADMK, a petition was submitted to the Director of Municipal Administration against this project. “The AIADMK will protest and will not allow this project. Developing Corporations like Salem do not require this scheme and the Corporation should prioritise fulfilling the basic needs of people,” Mr. Yadhavamoorthy said, adding that distributing pamphlets to the people is unacceptable.

Ward 34 councillor (DMK) Esan D. Elango said such corporate strategy must end. Publishing advertisements or distributing pamphlets using the Corporation’s logo and photo is allegedly misleading the people. “If the private company believes this scheme is beneficial, they should conduct a tri-party meeting (councillors, people, and the private company) and clarify their doubts and give written assurance,” Mr. Elango added. There are more than 20 slum areas in Salem Corporation who are using public taps for drinking water, he stated.

When contacted, Mayor A. Ramachandran said, at first, the DMK supported the project. But, after people opposed the project, the tender was cancelled by passing a resolution. If several hundred crores can given to the private company, the same funds can be allocated to the Corporation, who can supply drinking water 24×7. “We have decided to take legal action against this project,” the Mayor added.