Residents of Khadharpet in Chinna Allapuram, belonging to ward 51, picketed the Corporation office on Friday, demanding construction of drainage lines in their area.
More than 1,500 families live in the area. As the area was newly formed, it had no proper drainage line and sewage water from these houses were let into the line that was dug manually. This line took water into a private empty land. The stagnant water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies.
On Friday, residents said the owner of the private land had covered the manually dug drainage line two months back and blocked the sewage discharge into the land. Hence, they demanded the construction of new drainage lines in their area.
Mayor P Karthiyayini held talks with the residents and pacified the agitators. Engineer Baskar said a fund of `21 lakh had already been allotted for the construction of new drainage lines and assured that the work would start on Monday.
‘Desilt canal’
Residents R N Palayam that comes under ward 53 have demanded the restoration of the canal, which is being used as a drain for sewage. They complained that the drains in their area were silted and got blocked regularly and overflowed.
The residents complained that sewage from Rahim Nagar, Kadharpet, J J Nagar, Pananthoppu, K K Nagar and R N Palayam flowed into the canal and passed through Kasba before joining the Mullipalayam canal. However, the canal near Kasba got silted and was out of use. The canal had no sidewalls and plastic waste collected had blocked the drain, they noted.
Councillor K L Mohammed Aneef said the Corporation was now involved in restoring canals across the city. He said the local body should consider the seriousness of the their issue and take steps to restore it before the rainy season. He also said the local body should also take steps to broaden the drains that run on both sides of the streets as well as de-silt them.