Tirupattur Residents In Tamil Nadu Block Salem–Vaniyambadi Road Over Sewage Crisis, Seek Urgent Action

Residents of Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, blocked the Salem–Vaniyambadi High Road to protest the civic body’s failure to address long-standing sewage and drainage issues.

Residents of Tirupattur block the Salem–Vaniyambadi High Road, demanding urgent action to fix the town’s overflowing sewage and clogged drainage system.( Representational Photo: PTI)

Source : PTI

Residents of Tirupattur Municipality in Tamil Nadu blocked the Salem–Vaniyambadi High Road on Wednesday in protest against the civic body’s prolonged inaction in addressing the town’s underground drainage issues. The drainage system, maintained by the State Highways Department, has been plagued by frequent blockages, causing serious public health concerns.

Sewage Overflow Raises Health Hazards

Frustrated by the lack of response, residents took to the streets, demanding that the Tirupattur Municipality act swiftly to unclog manholes and underground drains. The delay in clearing the system has led to sewage overflowing onto roads, posing significant health risks—especially to children and senior citizens. "Clogging of underground drains has been a big problem in the town for the past few years. The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes," said C. Pavithra, a local resident, as quoted by The Hindu.

Several residents reported that the issue becomes particularly severe during the rainy season. Due to the lack of regular maintenance, excess rainwater and sewage combine to flood the streets, further endangering public health and mobility.

Authorities Respond After Protest

In response to the protest, Tirupattur police, along with revenue and municipal officials, quickly arrived at the scene to pacify the agitated crowd.

S. Santhi, Commissioner of Tirupattur Municipality, addressed the concerns, stating:"Municipal staff have been instructed to clear clogged drains, and regular inspections of manholes and drainage systems will be carried out."

Road blockage near Vaniyambadi 

Earlier, a few days ago, over 40 villagers of Residents of Alasanthapuram panchayat near Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur district staged a road blockade on Saturday, halting a government bus, as they demanded the retrieval of 11 acres of government land allegedly encroached upon by certain individuals.

They insisted that the land be used to construct a school playground, a panchayt office building, and a godown, all of which had already been sanctioned with a budget allocation of Rs. 40 lakh.