TIRUCHY: Much of the city’s greenery is being replaced by big buildings and long stretches of roads. One has to pause for a minute to get a fresh breath of air. During these times, a kutty step of beautifying the city becomes a blessing. One such step was taken up by Tiruchy Corporation, who had been planting flowering plants on road medians to promote greenery. But, recently plants installed along the centre medians of several important roads have withered due to poor maintenance, raising concerns among residents and environmental activists.
Since 2018, around 25,000 to 30,000 plants and flowering pots have been placed along major roads, including Pudukkottai Road, Puthur High Road, Anna Nagar Link Road, EVR Road, Bharathidasan Road, and East Boulevard Road. To ensure regular watering, the Corporation had established borewells along the stretches and fixed drip irrigation systems.
Fencing has also been installed at some locations to protect the plants from damage caused by vehicles and pedestrians. However, residents pointed out that the corporation should have made alternative arrangements to protect the plants during water shortage, including supplying water through lorries.
Sources said irregular maintenance of the drip irrigation system could be one of the reasons for the problem. Water may not be reaching all plants as some pipes or drip outlets could be blocked, damaged or malfunctioning.
The recent dry conditions in the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers have also contributed to water shortages in the city over the past two months. Environmental activists have urged the civic body to remove dead plants and replace them with fresh saplings.
R Alagudurai, an IT employee from Anna Nagar, told the TNIE, “The Corporation has spent public money on the beautification project, but allowing the plants to dry up defeats its purpose. Officials pass through these roads every day, but they do not seem to care about the condition of the plants. The officials planted them, but have not returned to check whether they are growing properly. The drip irrigation system should be checked regularly and water lorries should be deployed wherever it is necessary.”
A S Charles, an activist, said, “The withered plants have spoilt the appearance of the medians and have contributed to a poor look at the city. Beautification should not end with planting as it requires continuous care.”
When contacted, a senior official from the Tiruchy Corporation told TNIE, “Officials have been changed recently, and the new officials may not be fully aware of the issue.
We will conduct a meeting and take the necessary steps to improve the maintenance of the plants.”
