COIMBATORE: A major water pipeline of the Kurichi-Kuniyamuthur project under the Pilloor Scheme III ruptured near Arasan Theatre on Panchayat Office Road in Podanur, leading to the flooding of the entire stretch on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred in Ward 98 under the South Zone of the city, resulted in the wastage of thousands of litres of water and caused severe inconvenience to residents and motorists.
The rupture occurred in one of the main pipelines supplying water to the southern parts of the city. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) and Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) board officials rushed to the spot and began repair work to contain the leakage, sources said.
S Lavanya, a resident, said the issue was a result of prolonged negligence. "The officials had dug up the road several months ago for the pipeline works, but left it unattended. Many vehicles got stuck in the pit they created. Now, water started bursting out from the underground pipeline and flooded the entire road. Neither pedestrians nor motorists were able to pass through," she said.
P Balu, a shopkeeper in the area, said that the flooding had disrupted business. "Our sales have dropped because no one can enter this stretch. The entire street was under water, and thousands of litres of water were wasted due to the pipeline burst. The officials should take measures to prevent such incidents in future," he added.
A senior CCMC engineering official blamed the TWAD Board for the mishap. "The TWAD team is currently testing the Pilloor Scheme III pipelines as the Saradha Mill Road stretch is due for fresh asphalt laying. In their haste, they conducted a trial run without prior intimation, which led to the leak. We've repeatedly asked them to coordinate with us, but they continue to work independently. It's not just the public who suffer, but it creates major headaches for us too," the official said.
A senior TWAD Board official told the TNIE that the leakage occurred due to pressure fluctuations during the testing phase. "Our teams have found the leakage and are carrying out the repair works. The situation will be fully restored by Wednesday," the official confirmed.