Underground drainage (UGD) pipelines near the Sivananda Colony junction on Mettupalayam Road that were damaged in December 2024 because of the flyover construction works have disrupted sewage flow in nearby areas.

The pipelines were damaged during excavation near the junction for the flyover pillars.

With sewage blockages, “We had to call jetting machines multiple times and there have even been instances of sewage flowing back into houses,” said Sampath, a resident of Ramasamy Street in K.K. Pudur (Ward 44).

K. Anand, a commuter, said the pit excavated for the pillar construction was filled with sewage and this emits a foul odour and poses a risk to public hygiene.

A senior Corporation official said the damaged UGD pipelines, which served Wards 43, 44, 45, and 69 transport sewage to the pumping station near the Sivananda Colony railway bridge. The pipelines intersect locations earmarked for pillar construction and were damaged in the process, the official said.

“There is no temporary workaround, as the pipelines must be shifted to accommodate the structural requirements of the flyover. The repair work is the responsibility of the Highways Department,” the official added.

An official of the National Highways wing of the State Highways Department said there are leaks in the UGD line at three locations. While two of these have been repaired, the leak in one more location will be set right on Monday. A new pipeline will be laid after the completion of the flyover work, the official said.