The Avadi municipal corporation has achieved an extraordinary financial milestone by collecting the highest-ever tax revenue this year, yet this fiscal success stands in stark contrast to the persistent civic problems troubling local residents.
Record-Breaking Tax Collection
In a remarkable achievement, the Avadi municipal corporation has smashed its tax collection targets well ahead of schedule. By June alone this year, the corporation collected ₹42 crore, already surpassing its full-year target of ₹40 crore set for the 2025–26 financial year.
This performance becomes even more impressive when compared to historical data. The corporation normally earns approximately ₹41.6 crore over an entire year, but this time it has achieved more revenue in just six months than what it typically collects in twelve months.
Persistent Civic Problems Despite Revenue Surge
Despite this strong financial performance, numerous areas within Avadi continue to struggle with fundamental civic amenities. Many neighborhoods still lack piped drinking water connections, proper underground drainage systems (UGDS), and adequate stormwater drains (SWD).
T Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, highlighted several unresolved grievances that have been pending for extended periods. He specifically mentioned the ongoing issue with main UGDS connections and revealed a concerning practice: "in many wards, unofficial drainage connections were being laid using 3-inch PVC pipes instead of stronger, unbreakable rubber pipes."
Sadagopan criticized the lack of comprehensive planning, stating that before declaring Avadi as a municipal corporation, authorities should have created detailed development blueprints spanning short-term (5 years), mid-term (7–10 years), and long-term (20 years) horizons. He expressed concern that no such planning appears to exist to measure and guide performance.
Residents' Longstanding Grievances
The situation becomes more frustrating for residents who have paid deposits for essential services but received nothing in return. According to Sadagopan, many residents paid deposits for sewage and drinking water connections but still await the promised services.
J Jayakumar, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, shared his personal experience of paying deposits for UGDS and piped water back in 2008. Even after 17 years, he has not received any connection. He expressed frustration with the corporation's communication, stating, "There is no proper communication from the corporation. They keep announcing funds for 'remodelled infrastructure', but we don't see progress."
Jayakumar also raised concerns about transparency, noting that "the corporation lacks transparency; the proper breakup for funds isn't provided on the website." He additionally pointed to the need for regulating unauthorized street vending on CTH Road to improve both safety and municipal revenue.
Official Response and Future Plans
When contacted for comments, Avadi Corporation Commissioner R Saranya provided updates on ongoing projects. She confirmed that UGDS work is currently underway with ₹150 crore already allotted for the purpose.
The commissioner revealed that a substantial ₹552 crore proposal has been submitted for establishing a new sewage treatment plant and main pipeline. Under the AMRUT scheme, ₹99 crore has been allocated specifically for piped water supply projects, with assurances that this work will be completed soon.
Regarding stormwater drainage, Saranya confirmed that ₹30 crore has been sanctioned for stormwater drains, supplemented by an additional ₹3 crore allocated for Phase 2 of the project.
The situation in Avadi presents a puzzling contrast between fiscal efficiency and civic service delivery, leaving residents wondering when their tax payments will translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
