The Hindu                11.01.2014

Water supply disrupted in Suramangalam

Residents in Suramangalam were put to hardship as drinking water was not supplied to them for the past 14 days. The reason, the pipeline that supply water to the residential areas was damaged while laying of pipelines for the Mettur – Salem Dedicated Water Supply Scheme on December 27, 2013.

But the pipeline was not replaced and hence, water was not supplied to these areas.

K. Viswanathan, a resident of Rajaji Street, said that in spite of taking up the issue with corporation officials, no action was taken. “The road was dug and it also disrupts the traffic flow near the junction,” he added.

On Friday, workers replaced the damaged pipeline and officials assured the residents that water would be supplied immediately. They also said that the pipeline that crosses the road would be completely replaced in two days so that damage does not occur again. Frequent breakage of existing pipelines was reported at many places in the city due to laying of 1100 mm diameter pipelines for the dedicated water supply scheme. Officials said that damaged pipelines were replaced at the earliest and water supply restored.

The Hindu                11.01.2014

Lucky dip to dissuade people from using plastic products

Special Correspondent

Collection of plastic bags and cups from the public, as part of a campaign to prevent the use of banned plastic products launched by Tiruchirapalli Corporation, began at the temple town of Srirangam on Friday, on the eve of Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.

The campaign includes a lucky dip winners of which are to be awarded prizes including gold, silver coins, LED bulbs and Thirukkural books. Those handing in the plastic products to the civic authorities will be issued coupons and be eligible to participate in the lucky dip.

The lucky dip is aimed at dissuading people from using plastic products below 40 microns in thickness and littering public places with plastic wastes.

The civic body has set up collection centres at the five entrances to the temple to collect plastic bags and cups from devotees. Those handing in plastic bags were given cloth bags in return.

People handing over plastics were issued coupons with serial numbers. Lucky dip draws would be held on Friday. Apart from the top prize of a gold coin, silver coins will be given for five winners, LED bulbs for 10, and Thirukkural books for 20 winners.