Foul smell spread due to sewage overflow on the streets of Chitlapakkam

Chennai: Sewage overflow has resulted in the streets of Chitlapakkam being enveloped in a foul odor for the past week.
On Wednesday, engineers from Tambaram Corporation who visited the area said blockages in pipelines led to the overflow. The blockages were removed the same day, but the problem still persists.
Councillors say overflowing garbage is becoming common in the southern suburbs.In 2023, ward councilor Jagan C had written many petitions to initiate underground drainage networks in his ward. “There are no underground sewage lines in these areas, and people rely on septic tanks. But often, we find residents letting sewage into the rainwater drains,” he said. “I hope corporation officials take the construction of underground pipelines as a priority,” he added.
In 2021, a work order was issued to begin underground connections in Anakaputhur and Pammal for 100 km at an estimated cost of ₹211 crore. But the work is delayed. “Five years ago, under the Pallavaram municipality, engineers laid pipes without considering optimal slopes and heights in a sewage infrastructure system, affecting the flow. We had to redo the entire thing. This delayed our schedule significantly,” said Tambaram Corporation commissioner R Alagumeena. The corporation highlights ongoing efforts, stating trenches for pipes have already been excavated in these areas.
Of the corporation’s 70 wards, only 19 have operational underground drain systems.
Officials say work is nearing completion in 16 wards including Anakaputhur and Pammal and construction is underway in 12 more wards. “Only once underground connections are laid out in Anakaputhur and Pammal, a proposal for Chitlapakkam and more areas will be initiated,” she added.
This may be progress, but for Chitlapakkam residents, the stench and health risks remain a daily burden.Capricorn, Virgo, Scorpio, Libra, and Taurus all contribute unique qualities to corporate teams. Their combined skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, reliability, and innovation create a diverse and effective work environment.
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