Bad roads in Madurai: Corporation councillors blame it on officials

‘At least carry out patch works on pot holes’

OUTBURST: An AIADMK councillor, right, forcefullymaking a point against DMK councillors at theMadurai Corporation Council meeting onWednesday. Photo: R. Ashok

The blame game was on from the time the council meeting was called to order by Mayor V. V. Rajan Chellappa on Wednesday.

A large number of councillors, mostly from the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), accused the officials of being indifferent while handling public issues.

It was all about bad roads, poor drinking water distribution and non-removal of garbage.

Councillor after councillor said that after rains many roads, including Anna Nagar main road, Suguna Store junction, Kamarajar Salai, Periyar bus stand, Arapalayam, Sellur and Old Natham Road, had become unfit for use.

Two-wheeler riders found it risky as potholes were filled with rainwater. This resulted in freak accidents and, sometimes, severe or even fatal ones.

Similarly, many councillors complained that drinking water distribution was very poor and erratic. “It is once in 10 days or even longer.”

Intervening in the discussion, Commissioner C. Kathiravan listed out steps taken to tackle public issues. Be it in prevention of dengue or clearing garbage or checking the mixing of sewage in drinking water, he said all the pressing issues had been attended to and would be tackled on a war-footing.

When Salaimuthu (AIADMK) urged that drinking water supply be suspended to commercial establishments and residential apartments, Mr. Kathiravan said that stern action would be taken if misuse was found.

Nearly 80 per cent of the works along the Kiruthumal channel was completed, he replied to another query and said that the work on three bunds, including the one near the Arasaradi intersection, was under way.

Though a large number of women councillors represent the AIADMK, only a few raised questions and objections over the functioning of officials.

Objections

Raising strong objections and seeking to reconsider the contractor shortlisted for building two bridges at Aruldosspuram and Thirumalairayar Padithurai at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 crore, Kannagi Baskaran (AIADMK) said that the funds granted to Madurai Corporation should be utilised for public benefit.

“A careful scrutiny of the resolution may be wise,” she reiterated. However, city engineer Mathuram explained that it was tabled in the council meeting only after proper checks on the successful bidder.

Fine imposed

In a drive undertaken in the last 10 days, over 50 stray cattle were impounded, Mr. Chellappa said. After complaints of dog menace, specially made vehicles were used to secure 30 dogs, which were dangerously wandering on streets.

The officials collected nearly Rs. 87,000 as fine from cattle owners.