Frequent underground drainage (UGD) overflows and recurring bursts in Mullaperiyar drinking water pipelines are affecting residents of Subramaniapuram and SS Colony, disrupting daily life.
Residents said sewage stagnates on Subramaniapuram Street and along the Bypass Road service lane for days whenever blockages occur, causing foul odour and hindering movement. The problem typically persists for up to three days before being cleared. "Subramaniapuram Street is narrow, and any sewage overflow quickly becomes a major issue. Clearing it is also difficult," said V P Manikandan, a civic activist and resident of SS Colony. He added that multiple ruptures in Mullaperiyar water supply pipelines have been reported along Arunachalam Street and SS Colony Avenue Road, leading to frequent disruptions in drinking water supply and wastage. "A significant amount of drinking water is lost due to these bursts. The issue needs immediate attention," Manikandan said.
A senior Corporation official attributed the problem to rapid urbanisation in the area. "Several residential plots have been converted into commercial establishments, increasing the load on the sewage network and leading to overflows," the official said. "We are identifying stress points in the system, and steps are being taken to resolve the issue soon," he added.
