It’s called a DMK ward, so people get little

Councillor succeeds in constructing a small bridge with MP’s fund

The small bridge linking Chandrapalayam and Harveypatti side in Ward 99 was built by the initiative of the DMK councillor eight months ago.-Photo: S. James

Tirupparankundram is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, located close to the city. This place of worship draws a large number of devotees from far and near all through the year.

But, the areas around the famous temple are in a pathetic state that one may wonder whether the civic authorities are functioning here at all.

Ward 99 is a classic example of neglect. Starting from Moolakarai, it stretches up to Tirupparankundram bus stand, and covers the market and over 10 residential colonies.

Apart from the famous Subramanian Swamy temple, Mata Amritanandamayi Math is also situated here.

The thickly populated ward has a population of close to 11,000, and two higher secondary schools. Considering the floating population attracted by the temple, the former Union Minister M.K. Alagiri constructed free toilets in three locations. However, after the AIADMK assumed office, those in power conveniently converted them into “pay and use” toilets, said ward councillor M.L. Raj, who is also the leader of the DMK in the Corporation council.

He said, “the irony is the revenue from these toilets does not go to the kitty of the local bodies, but it goes to the politicians who had taken them on contract. An eyesore in the ward is the children’s park in Balaji Nagar. It was established during the previous DMK regime, but due to poor upkeep, it is in shambles and helps only antisocials.”

Ramanathan, a resident of Devi Nagar Main Road, said a drive along the stretch would show the bad condition of the road.

“About three months ago, a nine-year-old schoolboy had a fall in Kaalangarai due to the bad road condition. Two months ago, Corporation Commissioner Kathiravan visited this area. This gave us a hope that things would improve, but unfortunately the condition still remains the same,” he noted.

P. Kottakalai, a resident of Balaji Nagar and treasurer of the Residents’ Welfare Association, said at a time when dengue threat was thick in the air, the open drainage running in the locality was a big cause for concern to the residents. “People visiting the area for the first time cannot stomach the unpleasant smell. We hope the authorities close it and lay the road so that accidents can be prevented,” he said.

A huge relief for the residents of Chandrapalayam in the ward is the small but broad bridge constructed by the councillor, which enables road users to access Tirupparankundram Main Road from Chandrapalayam-Harveypatti side with ease. “I was able to get the bridge built with the MP LAD (Local Area Development) fund of the then Virudhunagar MP Manicka Tagore (Congress), who released Rs. 22 lakh on a request from Mr. Alagiri. Eight months back, I dedicated the bridge to the residents,” he stated.

A senior citizen in Devi Nagar thanked the councillor for constructing the bridge, but expressed concern over non-availability of drinking water. “Though I am not getting potable water from the Corporation, I am paying water tax,” he claimed.

The pipeline was damaged during the construction of the bridge, but it was not repaired, the councillor charged.