Madurai deputy mayor seeks action on waste management, and revenue issues

Madurai: A petition seeking action on wastewater treatment, solid waste management, canal dredging, protection of heritage buildings, employee promotions and measures to increase municipal revenue was submitted by the deputy mayor T Nagarajan, to Gagandeep Singh Bedi, additional chief secretary of the municipal administration and water supply department, on Saturday.

Nagarajan stated that the 125 MLD capacity wastewater treatment plant near Avaniyapuram in Madurai was not utilised to its full capacity for the past 15 years, despite incurring a monthly electricity cost of approximately Rs15 lakh. Nagarajan said that a portion of the wastewater was directly diverted to agricultural land parcels and only a limited amount was treated. He requested that all wastewater be fully treated for alternative use and that the remaining water be stored in nearby ponds.

He raised allegations of irregularities at the Vellakkal solid waste management centre, stating that the machinery remained unused and workers continued to sort waste manually. He emphasised the need to implement a plan to generate electricity from waste.

Nagarajan also requested dredging of 13 major canals under the Madurai corporation before the monsoon season to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and excess water.

He urged for the protection of the Rani Mangammal Chattiram, a historical landmark in Madurai, and alleged that the nearby Karuppatti Choultry was demolished without proper permission. He called for historical buildings owned by the corporation to be maintained and utilised by the corporation itself, rather than being handed over to private parties.

The petition included recommendations for increasing the corporation’s revenue. Nagarajan pointed out that service taxes and other fees were not being properly levied on several buildings.

Bedi assured that the petition would be reviewed and necessary actions taken.