Scheme to introduce 24-hour water supply is on, says Tiruchi Mayor-OxBig News Network

Mayor M. Anbazhagan on Monday refuted recent criticism by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and asserted that there was no delay in the execution of projects by the Corporation.

Mr. Anbazhagan told the Corporation Council that plans were in place to roll out 24-hour drinking water supply in select parts of the city within a month. “Efforts are under way to ensure uninterrupted water supply to city residents,” said Mr. Anbazhagan. According to Corporation sources, the 24-hour water supply scheme under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative will be implemented in Ward Nos. 51 to 56 and later expanded to other wards.

Responding to the AIADMK’s call for a protest on July 3 over alleged delays in civic projects, Mr. Anbazhagan dismissed the claims and said: “There are challenges related to tendering for shops in Panjapur, among others, but all work will be completed within a month’s time.” He said the overbridge near Tiruchi Junction would be ready soon.

The delay in the construction of an overbridge near the Fort Railway Station was due to the railways and not the Corporation, he said and urged Mr. Palaniswami to instead take up the matter with the Centre.

Based on police department recommendations, repair work on Palakkarai and Thennur Road overbridges would be taken up after completion of the work near Fort Station on Salai Road to avoid traffic disruption.

Mr. Anbazhagan said: “During the AIADMK’s tenure, there was no significant progress in underground drainage (UGD) work. It was under the DMK government that substantial UGD work was undertaken and ₹600 crore was allocated to restore roads damaged during the laying of UGD lines. The previous government stopped with mere announcements without allocating the necessary funds.”

V. Jawahar (Congress) urged the civic body to build a dedicated toilet complex with bathing facilities for women near the Srirangam temple.

S. Suresh (CPI-M) alleged that despite an increase in budget allocations for sanitation contractors, sweepers continue to receive outdated wages. He called upon the Corporation to adhere to the district administration’s revised pay structure of ₹717 a day as against the current ₹570.

K. Suresh (CPI) sought urgent modernisation of micro composting centres in the Corporation limits noting that workers continue to be exposed to hazardous conditions.

S. Muthukumar (MDMK) raised concerns over possible flooding in Azhagiripuram when water was released in the Kollidam. He urged the construction of a retaining wall to safeguard the settlement.

Several councillors raised complaints about the increasing stray dog menace noting the deteriorating health of many animals. The Mayor said the Corporation was in talks with Blue Cross and planned to allocate half an acre of land for a facility to shelter diseased or stray animals.