AIADMK Councillors Stage Protest Against Water Supply Privatization in Salem
Opposition AIADMK councillors staged a dramatic sit-in protest during a regular meeting of the Salem Corporation council on Monday, vehemently opposing a resolution passed by the DMK-led council to award tenders for managing the 24-hour drinking water supply distribution system to a private company.
Protest Disrupts Council Proceedings
The AIADMK members, led by opposition leader Yadava Murthy, protested against the resolution which they claimed was passed without proper discussion. The councillors sat directly in front of the dais of Mayor A Ramachandran, bringing the council proceedings to a temporary halt.
The protest lasted approximately 20 minutes before the AIADMK councillors made their exit from the council meeting in a coordinated walkout, expressing their strong disapproval of the privatization move.
Concerns Over Water Accessibility and Pricing
Following the protest, Yadava Murthy addressed reporters outside the council chambers, revealing that the tender in question was valued at approximately Rs 4,315 crore. He articulated the opposition's primary concerns regarding the privatization of the water distribution system.
"If the water distribution system is entrusted to a private company, common people will face significant difficulties accessing drinking water," Murthy stated emphatically. "We fear there won't be adequate water supplies in the streets, and water charges will inevitably become prohibitively high for ordinary citizens. This is precisely why we oppose this resolution."
Broader Implications of the Decision
The controversy highlights growing tensions between the ruling DMK administration and opposition parties regarding the management of essential public utilities. The proposed privatization of Salem's drinking water supply system represents a significant shift in how basic services are delivered to residents.
Key concerns raised by the protesting councillors include:
- Potential exclusion of economically disadvantaged communities from accessing clean drinking water
- Anticipated price increases that could make water unaffordable for many households
- Lack of transparency in the tender process and insufficient public consultation
- Questions about accountability and service quality under private management
The protest underscores the ongoing debate about privatization of public utilities in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties increasingly vocal about protecting citizen access to essential services. The Salem Corporation's decision to move forward with the tender despite opposition protests suggests this issue will continue to generate political friction in the region.
