Open sewer poses threat to Madurai’s Thasildar Nagar residents

Madurai: Several houses at Thasildar Nagar in Madurai have not been connected to underground drainage (UGD) system, forcing residents to use PVC pipes to direct sewage from their homes directly into the Vandiyur supply channel turning it into an open sewer.

“We paid for a new UGD pipeline connection over a month ago, but so far no action has been taken,” said Indiradevi, a resident of Annai Abirami Street. “The pipe leading to the open sewer is the only way to get rid of the sewage in the area for many people, but the open sewer poses many health risks and is a breeding ground for mosquitos,” she said and added that children cannot play outside because of the open sewer.

Velmurugan, resident of Thasildar Nagar, said many petitions have been sent to the corporation regarding closing the open sewer and giving new connections for the houses that need them, but no action has been taken. “Whenever a complaint is given, the sewer is cleaned and garbage is cleared, but no permanent solution is reached,” he said. “Sewage overflows when it rains and enters into houses,” he added.

A senior corporation official said the UGD connections will be provided soon and PWD has been asked to address the open sewer issue.