The Hindu 16.04.2010

Corporation begins drive against illegal water connections

Special Correspondent

Photo: P. Goutham

Prompt action:Salem Corporation workers engaged in work on disconnecting illegal water line on Thursday. —

SALEM: Facing a severe water shortage, Salem Corporation has undertaken a drive against illegal connections in the city on Thursday.

Based on a spate of complaints from the public that water supply is getting tardy due to illegal tapping, Commissioner Dr. K.S. Palanisamy formed a special squad to unearth the illegal connections in the households.

First phase

The first phase had covered Sooramanagalam area in ward 12 where a large number of complaints were received from the public.

The team went around Jagir Kamanaickenpatti, Perumal Koil Street and its neighbouring pockets and found 14 illegal connections. The workers immediately snapped the line from the mainline.

The officials warned the public that resorting to illegal connections would be severely dealt with.

They further said that water connections should be made through proper official channels.

Many in the area claimed that with the connivance of local staff only illegal connections can be provided. A few ward councillors also knew the same, they said.

The resudebts urged the Corporation officials to sustain its drive against illegal water connections and drawing of water from main line pipes.

The Hindu 29.01.2010

Municipal Administration Director inspects works

MADURAI: Director of Municipal Administration P. Senthil Kumar, on Thursday, inspected various development works in Madurai Corporation, Anaiyur and Tirumangalam municipalities and Tirupparankundram Town panchayat.

He inspected road works in Anaiyur and asked the officials to repair potholes on roads at Tirumangalam. He inspected the new office building coming up at the Tirupparankundram town panchayat.

Water supply

Dr. Senthil Kumar interacted with residents of Meenambalpuram in the city while inspecting the Vaigai second drinking water project. The people said that water supply was regular in their area.

However, residents of a nearby area complained of lesser quantum of water supply. The Director asked the officials to rectify the problem.

Meets Minister

Earlier, Dr. Senthil Kumar met Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers M.K. Alagiri and apprised him of the details of development works, including the Cauvery drinking water project works.

Sholavandan MLA P. Moorthy, Deputy Mayor P.M. Mannan, Corporation Commissioner S. Sebastine and Chief Engineer K. Sakthivel were among those who were present.