Irregular drinking water supply dominates Corporation council meeting in Erode

The issue of irregular drinking water supply under the ₹484.45-crore Uratchikottai Dedicated Water Supply Scheme (DWSS) dominated the Erode Corporation council meeting held here on Thursday (October 30, 2025).

The meeting, chaired by Mayor S. Nagarathinam, was attended by Commissioner Arpit Jain and Deputy Mayor V. Selvaraj and councillors. Cutting across party lines, councillors said that despite the project being implemented since 2017, residents were not receiving regular supply.

The scheme is executed by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board, and is designed to provide 81.10 million litres of water per day (135 litres per person). “However, water is supplied only once in two days for an hour,” said DMK councillor S. Nandagopal (Ward 47). Many councillors said drinking water was supplied only once in four to six days, leaving them unable to answer residents’ complaints.

A TWAD Board engineer told the council that interlinking pipeline works were under way and nearing completion. He cited difficulties in filling all overhead tanks and testing new pipelines laid near underground power cables. Zone I chairman P.K. Palanisamy (Ward 24) sought the project to be handed over to the civic body. The Commissioner said the TWAD Board would transfer maintenance to the Corporation next month.

Congress councillor E.P. Ravi opposed the slaughterhouse at Vairapalayam and cautioned that large-scale protests would follow if it starts functioning. Supporting him, Mr. Palanisamy said the slaughterhouse would affect about 30 acres of agricultural land and urged the Corporation to reconsider the plan.

Councillors also voiced concern over pollution caused by cattle waste dumping in Agraharam and sought a permanent solution. Officials informed that 11,000 stray dogs had been sterilised and vaccinated, so far.

Opposition leader and AIADMK councillor S.D. Thangamuthu criticised the Corporation for delaying compensation to landowners at Kaniravuthar lake, where the Chief Minister had announced a new bus stand two years ago. He also slammed the administration for permitting gas pipeline works on newly-laid roads and for not implementing the council’s resolution to reduce property tax passed in March. Following his remarks, AIADMK councillors staged a walkout.