Build SWD soon, demand marooned Thanjavur residents

TIRUCHY: The residents from several villages in Thanjavur that were cut off due to water logging, appealed the district administration to initiate steps to drain out the water. They said that stagnant water poses a health threat and urged officials to build proper storm water drains in their localities.

Since there was a heavy flow in both Cauvery and Kollidam rivers as surplus water was released from the Mettur reservoir, villages like Anaikudi, Pattukudi, Puthur and Vazhkai located at the banks of the Kollidam were marooned. The flood water failed to recede even after several days.

Around 1.80 lakh cusecs of water flowed into the Kollidam for a few days, which was reduced to 55,000 cusecs in the past two days. Though there was a respite, residents complained that the water stagnated in their locality, which posed a health threat.

“The water now appears blackish for the past three days. It has turned into a mosquito-breeding spot, and we fear an outbreak of diseases and illnesses. We want the district administration to initiate steps immediately to drain out the water,” said K Sundarajan, a resident from Anaikudi.

He claimed that the residents could spot venomous creatures and stayed indoors out of fear.

“If there are proper storm water drains in these villages, there’d be no stagnation,” Sundarajan rued. “Residents from all these villages have planned to approach the district collector for a permanent remedy.”