Councillors criticise delays in civic projects at Coimbatore Corporation council meeting

Councillors from various political parties criticised the Coimbatore Corporation over prolonged delays in initiating approved projects and addressing issues raised by them. “The works have been unreasonably delayed,” they said at the council meeting held at Victoria Town Hall on Friday.

Mayor K. Ranganayaki presided over the meeting in the presence of Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran.

Ward 45 Councillor R. Babysutha (DMK) said that a pooja for the construction of Mudhalvar Padaippagam and an urban primary health centre was conducted four months ago, but no work has commenced. “Whenever the council meets, the Mayor defers discussions, leaving no opportunity to address projects,” she said.

Ward 85 Councillor V. Sarala (INC) criticised officials for their inaction on her month-old complaint. Sewage from wards 96, 97, 98, and 94 flows through ward 85 into ward 95 and then into the canal along Pothanur Main Road. Recently, a seven-metre stretch of the drain at MMT Nagar, bordering ward 95, was blocked with concrete and sand, causing water to overflow into houses in both wards. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken, prompting residents to threaten protests.

Councillors also unanimously demanded completion of pending road works, maintenance and installation of streetlights, and other ward-level projects, noting that contractors were unresponsive.

In response, Ms. Ranganayaki directed councillors from all 100 wards to submit detailed lists of ongoing and pending works. Mr. Prabakaran assured the councillors that officials would verify the status and ensure completion of the projects.

At the start of the meeting, DMK and ally councillors opposed the BJP-led Union government’s rejection of the metro rail proposal. Tensions escalated when AIADMK councillors R. Prabhakaran and D. Ramesh accused the DMK government of preparing a faulty DPR, raised slogans against the ruling party, and walked out in protest.

The Mayor subsequently passed a resolution opposing the rejection of the metro rail proposal and suspended AIADMK floor leader Prabhakaran for the next two council meetings.

A total of 87 resolutions were passed during the meeting.

During the meeting, S. Kumara Rajapandian was formally inducted into the council as the nominated member representing differently-abled persons.