Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

No respite from problems for Nethaji Nagar residents

Special Correspondent

The 25-year-old approved layout is flooded during rain

COIMBATORE: Residents of Nethaji Nagar on Nanjundapuram Road in the city are bracing for yet another torrid phase. While monsoon brings joy to the city in the form of water overflowing from dams, this 25-year-old approved residential layout is flooded by rainwater mixed with sewage.

The colony's problems begin with the Nanjundapuram Road itself. The road had been in the worst condition for long. Though repairs had been carried out, there is still no guarantee that the potholes will not return. So, poor access to the colony itself is a problem.

The issue peculiar to this colony is the flow of rainwater from the main road. For years, the residents have been appealing to the Corporation for measures to prevent rainwater from entering the colony. Yet, the problem continues.

The Nanjundapuram Road-Nethaji Nagar Welfare Association has always blamed it on poor storm water drains on the main road. Drainage work remains incomplete on the west side of the road. Owing to this, much of the rainwater from many parts of the city that should flow to the Rajavaikal (a canal in Nanjundapuram) flows into Nethaji Nagar. And, it takes many days for the stagnant water to drain.

A year ago, the residents complained that a housing complex impeded drainage work. They had also complained that the complex had blocked rainwater from flowing out of Nethaji Nagar. But, they say that corrective measures have not been to the desired extent.

In a memorandum to the Local Administration Minister, M.K. Stalin, the association secretary, K. Kanakarajan, has said that the layout was formed in 1980 and was approved by the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. But, the residents have lived here without basic amenities.

Streetlights were provided during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime. Yet, they had to endure poor roads affected by flooding every year.

The Corporation has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for road works, but these are held up because contractors find material and labour cost unviable. The rates should be revised and the roads in the colony re-laid two-and-a-half feet above the existing level, the memorandum said.

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