Sewage flowing into the Vaigai at Sholavandan near Madurai.
| Photo Credit: G. Moorthy
Residents of Sholavandan have raised concern over several long-pending demands, including repair of damaged roads, prevention of sewage from entering the Vaigai, and installation of streetlights.
Angusamy, a resident of Balamurugan Nagar, said, “Many paver block roads here have not been restored after being dug up, making it difficult for us to use them. Children often get injured while playing, and commuters face severe hardship. Despite paying higher taxes, we continue to face these problems.”
P. Manickamoorthy, district convenor of Social Action Movement, said, “Underground drinking water pipelines were laid several months ago, but in many streets, especially in extended areas, the roads have not been properly restored.. The issue has been raised with authorities many times, but no action has been taken so far.”
Sholavandan, which is located on the banks of the Vaigai, is witnessing poor maintenance of the water course, with garbage being dumped there and sewage being let into it.
Mutheeswaran, a resident of Kallar Street, said, “We depend on the Vaigai for drinking water. However, sewage from residential areas is being let into the river, worsening its condition and making it unsafe for drinking. When we raise the issue, the authorities say the water quality is tested before supply, but some days the stink is very strong.”
Johnson Kalaichelvan, president of Ganapathy Nagar Welfare Association, an extension area in Sholavandan, said, “Our locality, which has around 250 flats, lacks adequate streetlights on main roads. Children returning from tuition classes at night are forced to walk through dark stretches. The presence of snakes in the area also poses a risk to the residents. We request the authorities to install at least four streetlights.”
He added, “In many parts of our locality, the sewage infrastructure is poorly constructed, resulting in wastewater stagnating on roads and increasing mosquito breeding.”
When contacted, Nisha Gowthaman, Ward 14 councillor of Sholavandan town panchayat, told The Hindu that these were long-pending demands of the residents. “The issues have been raised several times in council meetings, but we are repeatedly told that action would be taken. So far, no concrete steps have been initiated by the authorities concerned,” he said.
When asked whether these issues would be addressed before the Assembly election, he said, “In a short while, election schedule will be announced, and the Election Commission will take charge. After that, it will be difficult to resolve these issues.”
When contacted, A. Venkatesan, MLA, said the drinking water pipeline works were still under way and the lines had to be tested for leakages before the roads could be restored.
On the issue of sewage mixing into the Vaigai, he said underground drainage works were in progress, and the problem would be resolved soon.
Published – February 18, 2026 08:21 pm IST
