Indiscriminate dumping of waste in Mullakadu canal and along its embankment on Mullakadu beach road has raised significant concerns, with only a compound wall separating the canal and the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in the area.

The canal, which begins from JS Nagar, passes through Mullakadu beach road and finally converges at Mullakadu beach. The canal, which stretches around 4.5 km, has been severely polluted in several areas, notably near the UPHC at HWP colony in Mullakadu.

A major portion of the waterbody has been clogged with plastic waste discarded by the local residents, obstructing its natural flow. Additionally, the adjacent road has also been affected, with broken trash bins and garbage scattered around, worsening the environmental condition.

The contaminated environment has resulted in mosquito infestations and persistent foul odor, posing health risks to nearby residents and visitors.

Muthukrishnan, a resident of JS Nagar, said that the situation persists throughout many parts of the canal’s path. He noted that in JS Nagar the canal is heavily clogged and the flow is restricted at several points.

The entire stretch which lacks proper cleaning from the local body has also irked the residents, as the road is widely used by the public to reach the Mullakadu beach and by the saltpan workers. Belvin from Mullakadu, emphasised the urgent need to desilt the canal before the onset of monsoon, as it plays a vital role in draining surplus water from Korampallam tank into the sea.

He further added that, beyond government action, local residents must also take responsibility for keeping the canal and surrounding areas clean, as it will have a long term positive impact on public health and environment.

Given that only a compound wall separates the polluted area from the UPHC in the area, serious preventive measures are needed to avoid further health hazards, especially as the area is linked to primary healthcare access.

Speaking on the issue, an official from Thoothukudi Corporation said that the desilting work has already begun in JS Nagar with around 1.5 km completed so far. The official assured that the entire canal will be desilted before the monsoon and action will be taken at the heavily polluted section near the UPHC in Mullakadu.