Residents scoff at ‘clean city’ tag for Tiruchy

Given the lethargic attitude of the Corporation officials who turn a blind-eye to the sanitation problems of the public, the people still fume over ill maintained garbage bins, poor drainage, clogged storm water drains, poor health and even drinking water scarcity in the Corporation.

“The news that Tiruchy has been placed in the third in terms of cleanliness in the Swachh Bharat Mission is surprising. We do not know what the parameters by which cleanliness was measured. It would be helpful if the corporation could publish the parameters and the figures,” asks S Pushpavanam, secretary, Consumer Protection Council. “But sure, Tiruchy has got a long way to go to be graded as a clean city. Perhaps in comparison with other cities, Tiruchy may have scored well. Let this not lull us into complacence,” he said. 

Though open defecation has come down in the last ten years, public urination continues in several important places. Central Bus Stand is better managed now. But we need 100 more toilets at least to keep it clean. One can spot garbage spilled on the roads from the dustbins and the stray cattle continuing to spoil the place further. For instance, the Collectorate Road, has four bins and every day they overflow. 

Meanwhile, the sewage that flow in the main road near tollgate collected from the circuit house colony and Ulaganathapuram was a haven for stray pigs posing a health threat to the residents. So do, the untreated water from Aavin that has been let out freely into the storm water drain at Jail Corner in Ponmalaipatti Road. There were more than 1000 households around the Jail Corner, and the residents endure the foul smell emanating from it day and night. Aavin was supposed to treat the waste water, but it seems the institution was least inclined to do so. It lets the waste water out during night and the residents bear the stench of its stealthy act.

City Health Officer Dr M Geetharani said that the civic body had sent a letter of warning to the Aavin plant not to do so and also levied a fine of Rs 10,000 but they paid no attention to the corporation’s warning and continue to flout the norms. “I have personally visited the plant and warned them but they still let the untreated water into storm water drains. I will take this issue with the Collector,” she added. 

In the meantime, most of the storm water drainages have become breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

The civic body said that they have been taking steps for the prevention of mosquito breeding. But still, the residents complain of ‘mystery’ fever. They added that the clean city tag is just a farce.