Residents of Angayarkanni Colony off Mahalakshmi Nagar Main Road near Iyer Bungalow petitioned Madurai Collector’s office on Monday alleging non-removal of debris from a canal, along which encroachments were removed by the Public Works Department more than two months ago.
With the onset of rains, the presence of debris had not only resulted in water stagnation, but had also resulted in snakes, tortoises and other insects entering nearby houses. “We welcome the removal of encroachments since the canal was completely blocked at many places. However, the PWD has simply demolished the encroachments and did not bother to clean up the canal to ensure free flow of water,” said M. Jayalakshmi, a member of Samam Kudimakkal Iyakkam, who led the petitioners. I. Saraswathi, a resident, said that many houses along the canal had constructed septic tanks encroaching on the canal. “They have also been removed and sewage water from the septic tanks is stagnating on the canal. The PWD has not clearly marked the course of the canal. Only after it is done, the owners can move their septic tanks elsewhere,” she said. Highlighting that even roads had been laid over the canal earlier, Ms. Jayalakshmi said that the PWD must construct culverts or bridges at these spots. “Since the road has been removed, vehicles cannot go from one side of the canal to the other side. So, people have dumped soil again on the canal to create temporary pathways. Instead, PWD must construct proper culverts or bridges,” she said.
