Sonaiah Nagar in Chinna Anupanadi in dire need of UGD

In Sonaiah Nagar of Chinna Anupanadi (Ward 56) unpaved roads, stagnant pools of sewage water and scattered garbage are common phenomenon. This area, which lacks basic amenities, however, craves the most for an underground drainage system.

Though this ward was annexed to Madurai Corporation in 2011, there has been little development in this area, complain residents.

With the lack of an underground drainage system, septic tanks are used by most of the residents.

During the monsoon season, septic tanks get filled within six months, says S. Pandiamma, a resident of Sonaiah Nagar 2nd Street. “Most of us cannot afford to clean our septic tanks frequently. So as a result, sewage flows onto streets,” she says.

Due to the lack of a drainage facility, the rainwater stagnates on the streets and turns the mud roads slushy. At one corner of Sonaiah Nagar 3rd Street slimy green water was stagnant, next to a large dump of garbage. “This pool of water is stinky. It causes mosquito breeding and spread of diseases,” says S. Amaravathi.

With the dysfunctional street lights at this stretch, the residents have to walk with caution fearing attack from snakes and insects, she adds.

With the lack of drinking water facilities available in their area, the residents have to cross stagnant sewage water to fetch water from common pipelines. “It becomes extremely tough for us to walk past the stagnant pool of water,” says 68-year-old A. Chellammal.

The Corporation had recently installed a new borewell to supply water for residents to meet their everyday needs. “If the officials installed new water pipelines to all our houses, it will provide some respite,” says A. Subramani, a resident.

The residents also complained of irregular collection of waste by Corporation conservancy workers. “For the past two years, the workers have stopped collecting waste door-to-door in our area. We are all forced to walk to the main road to dump our waste,” complains Ms. Pandiamma.

If the officials fulfill the main demand of constructing an underground drainage system, it would be of great use, says Ms. Chellammal.

City Engineer S. Arasu said that a separate proposal has been submitted to construct underground drainage connection to the areas South of Vaigai river. He also said that he would instruct his officials to take steps to address irregularities in supply of drinking water and collection of garbage.