Pvt tankers discharge illegal sewage on Tiruverkadu road

The illegal disposal of sewage into storm water drains (SWDs) on Adayalampattu-Thiruverkadu service road continues to thrive despite many complaints from residents to government departments.

The stretch that comes under the purview of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has turned into a playing field for several private tankers to discharge sewage.

K Thirumalai Dasan, a resident who has been flagging the issue for 7 years, said, “Nobody has done anything about our complaints. There are drains that do not have manhole covers or slabs, making it easier for private tankers to quickly dispose-off the sewage. With northeast monsoon around the corner, such incidents will cause flooding, as most SWDs are choked with illegal sewage.”

It’s important to note that the State government allotted Rs 10.52 crore in 2016 to build slabs to cover SWDs. Though the NHAI began the work last December, the work remains incomplete.

The Madurvoyal link road to Nolambur subway, where illegal sewage disposal is rampant, falls under the purview of 3 local bodies — Adayalampatt Panchayat, GCC and Tiruverkadu Municipality.

Just like this reporter, an official of the Adayalampattu panchayat, expressed disbelief over one area falling under 3 departments. “The issue can be resolved if all departments come together to stop this illegal activity. And, panchayat presidents who expose such issues should not be penalised for it,” added the official.

Incidents of illegal sewage discharge is not an isolated case. A resident on Purasawalkam High Road said, “Often, we notice private tankers discharging sewage near Purasawalkam police booth. The concerned department should track such illegal activities.”

The respective departments did not respond despite multiple attempts.