Sewage overflow occurs during rains as manholes are not cleaned regularly by the municipality, say residents. 
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Residents of Tirupattur municipality blocked the Salem—Vaniyambadi High Road, maintained by the State Highways, against the civic body’s inaction to unclog the existing underground drainage system in the town, on Wednesday.

Delay in unclogging manholes by the municipality has resulted in the overflow of sewage onto roads. This has posed health risks to residents, especially children and senior citizens. “Clogging of underground drains has been a big problem in the town for the past few years. The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said C. Pavithra, a resident.

Residents say that the sewage overflow happens especially during rains. As manholes are not cleaned regularly by the municipality, excess rainwater and sewage from the drains stagnate on the streets.

After the protest on Wednesday, the Tirupattur police, revenue and municipal officials rushed to the spot and pacified the agitated residents. 

“Municipal staff have been directed to unclog drains. Regular inspection of manholes and drains will be done,” said S. Santhi, Commissioner, Tirupattur municipality.