Residents near Srivilliputtur demand authorities to drain the rainwater in railway underpass; resort to road blockade

A large number of residents from Thoppur village near here resorted to a road blockade stir on the Madurai-Kollam national highway near Anna Nagar Pass bringing the vehicular movement to a standstill for a brief period on Tuesday.

According to the agitators, around 300 families lived in Thoppur village. About 70 children studied in a school which is two kilometres from their habitation. To reach the school, the villagers have to cross a railway underpass.

However, due to the torrential rain, the underpass was filled with water for about three feet at the centre. Hence, it was difficult for children to cross the point alone. Even going with parents on two-wheelers was difficult, they said.

On the first day after the overnight rain, when the people reported to the authorities, they promised to bring in motors and pump the water out. But, it was not done. As a result, many residents took a circuitous route by going to Vanniyampatti and reaching the school, which was an additional five km.

With no sign from the officials, they blocked the road with their children and threatened to boycott from sending their wards. “We don’t want to take any chance by letting our kids to go on their own in the cycles given by the government….What prevented them from draining the water,” they asked.

The officials said that the water would be drained by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning without any further delay following which the agitation was withdrawn.