The storm water channel filled with stagnant sewage and plastic waste at Tahsildar Nagar in Madurai on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
Water woes
Despite the preparedness of government agencies to address monsoon-related issues in other parts of the State, the situation in Madurai Corporation limits remains far from satisfactory.
The civic body is yet to initiate pre-monsoon desilting of channels crisscrossing the city that drain rainwater from adjoining roads.
The canal along Vandiyur Main Road in Tahsildar Nagar remains clogged with garbage, plastic, and household waste.
Several streets in Anna Nagar and Tahsildar Nagar have developed potholes and craters following the recent spell of rain, leading to water stagnation that poses a risk to pedestrians and motorists, besides serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Residents have urged officials to inspect vulnerable areas and deploy workers on a war-footing to pump out stagnant water and undertake necessary repairs.
K. Natarajan,
Tahsildar Nagar.
Unreliable water supply
Residents dependent on the Periyar Vaigai Combined Drinking Water Project (PVCDW) complain that the water supply has become increasingly unreliable.
Even during Deepavali, the supply was disrupted, and there was no water for two days thereafter. Those connected to the project say they are uncertain about receiving regular and uninterrupted supply in the future and are unclear about the monthly or annual water tax to be paid.
Residents have urged the private agency handling the distribution to communicate supply schedules or disruptions through WhatsApp, as consumer mobile numbers were collected during water metre installation.
They also said there is no clarity on the grievance redress mechanism or whom to contact in case of complaints. Hope this problem is rectified at the earliest.
S. Bala,
TVS Nagar.
Temporary shelter needed
Commuters at the Tamukkam bus stop are facing difficulties following the demolition of bus shelters on both sides due to the ongoing bridge construction.
The area, which is frequented daily by students, office-goers and the general public, has no protection from frequent rainfall. Mud and water from nearby pits have made the bus stop slippery and uncomfortable for waiting passengers.
Residents and commuters have appealed to authorities to set up temporary shelters on both sides of the stop to provide relief until the construction is completed.
V.S. Madhavan,
Iyer bungalow
Safety risk
Residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar near Balamandiram School on Old Natham Road in Madurai have reported a leak in the Jal Jeevan Water pipeline at morning, beneath the newly laid road every day.
Despite paying high taxes, residents say their requests for a street light on the 30-foot road near two EB pole have gone unaddressed.
The darkness has raised safety concerns. Residents have appealed to the authorities to take act immediately.
L. Sevugan,
Old Natham Road
Aadhaar service delays
A visit to an Aadhaar centre last week highlighted the persistent challenges in updating biometric details, with long queues and heavy rush keeping residents occupied for an entire day.
Aadhaar, now an essential document, continues to demand time-consuming procedures despite technological advancements.
The Government should make this process smoother either by increasing the number of service centres or by deploying more staff at the existing centres.
Aadhaar services should be easily accessible as digital payment facilities, reflecting true technological progress for the benefit of the public.
D. Ganesh,
Tirunagar
Monsoon warning
With the northeast monsoon approaching, concerns are rising over potential flooding in Madurai.
Residents of Panthalkudi Channel, Sellur, and some slum pockets faced fallen trees, sudden power outages, breached roads, and overflow of floodwaters mixed with sewage and garbage, creating health hazards.
Disaster management officials attempted relief measures, but the impact was not entirely mitigated. Authorities and departments are urged to prepare comprehensive plans ahead of the season, while residents are advised to cooperate, as prevention is better than cure.
S. Kanagavel,
K.K. Nagar.
Published – October 26, 2025 06:05 pm IST
