Dug-up roads for UGD work leaves Thoothukudi residents struggling

The delay in completion of the fourth phase of Underground Drainage System (UGDS) work in Thoothukudi Corporation has irked the residents, as a road dug up for the project in ward 17 is forcing the residents to take alternative routes adding up to extra mile for them.

The fourth phase of UGDS work covers six wards of the Corporation such as wards 15,16,17,18,49 and 50. The work is being carried out at a cost of around ₹153.29 crore, covering areas such as P&T Colony, Rajiv Nagar, Paulpandi Nagar, Grace Nagar and others.

The project which was earlier slated to be completed by last month has now been pushed to July.

Although works have reached final stages in some wards, the ongoing work at Paulpandi Nagar, which comes under ward 17 is causing significant difficulties for the residents. As the Paulpandi Nagar main road connects Annai Theresa Nagar, Pushpa Nagar and other areas with major schools, the dug up road has forced the residents to choose alternative destinations to reach schools.

CPI(M)’s Thoothukudi city secretary M.S. Muthu said that officials should have planned the work accordingly which does not affect the school children. He added that the soil and silt has been piled up on both sides of the roads, obstructing vehicle movement. He urged the authorities to complete the work hastily in Paulpandi Nagar.

Speaking on this an official from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) board said that the work in Paulpandi Nagar would be completed shortly, citing that already existing sewage connection has contributed for the delay, and labourers have been told to dig the road step by step, otherwise it could lead to safety issues.

Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy said that the trunk lane of the fourth phase of UGDS is completed up to the sewage treatment plant near Tharuvai Kulam and the trial for the project is expected to be carried out in July. Following the completion of the NOC process, the project is anticipated to be completed by December, 2026.

The roads will be immediately restored after completion of each ward, the Mayor added.

He noted that apart from this, 20 wards of the Corporation are awaiting the UGDS project in the next phase, which mostly comes under the south zone.