Councillors cutting across party affiliations slammed the Salem Corporation officials for not taking action against the private firm SRP for its failure to maintain proper sanitation in 21 wards, which the Bangalore-based firm has been entrusted with.

The issue was raised in the Salem Corporation's council meeting here on Thursday in which the councillors, led by the DMK's councillor and Asthampatti Zonal chairman Natesan, asked the Commissioner S. Natarajan and Mayor J. Rekha Priyadarshini to explain why the civic body was reluctant to take action against the private firm which had failed to clear garbage and clean chocked sewage channels.

“Everywhere the garbage heaps can be seen and drainage channels are overflowing. Because of the tardy collection of garbage the city is facing a serious health hazard,” he said and also wondered why the private firm was allowed to continue when the councillors from all parties had even submitted a petition earlier demanding the cancellation of its license.

Development work

He also charged that despite good tax collection in his zone, the Corporation had not undertaken any development work worth Rs. 1 lakh.

The councillors also said that water supply in the city had become worse and many pockets were going without water for more than 15 days.

Endorsing these views and also demanding stern action, a few also staged a brief sit-in agitation in the well of the house. Commissioner Natarajan said that he would take necessary action.

AIADMK councillors also charged that the Mayor had not anything for city.

Besides many other civic issues such as the demand to expedite the on-going development schemes in the city were discussed at the council meeting.