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The Hindu

S.P. Velumani demands rollback of Coimbatore Corporation's drinking water and UGD tariff hike

AIADMK MLA S.P. Velumani, along with five other party legislators, petitioned District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of a Coimbatore Corporation council resolution that increased deposit and monthly charges for underground drainage (UGD) and drinking water supply. The MLAs said the revised charges would add to the financial burden on the public, alongside increase in property tax and other tariffs. They urged the district administration to intervene and rollback the decision. The petition also raised concerns over civic infrastructure. It stated that around 700 km of roads had been damaged due to UGD and 24/7 water supply projects and that the Corporation had not carried out proper restoration. The MLAs said damaged roads had become hazardous during rains. They also pointed to the poor maintenance of Smart City lakes, claiming water hyacinth and vegetation had taken over many waterbodies and walkways. The administration was urged to expedite pending works such as the Western Bypass and the SIHS Colony bridge. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Velumani said recent gale and rains had caused crop damage in the district, but adequate relief had not been provided. He reiterated long-standing issues, including the unresolved odour problem at the Vellalore dump yard and delays in the allocation of buses to city outskirts. He also questioned the irregular supply of drinking water. 'Coimbatore has a population of over 22 lakh and requires only around 290 MLD water if supplied at 135 LPCD per person. But, despite receiving about 320 MLD water from various schemes, water is being supplied only once in four or five days. The administration must consult TWAD Board and Corporation officials to ensure regular distribution,' he said. On the Pilloor III drinking water project, he said many of the planned elevated tanks were still incomplete and called upon the district administration to ensure speedy completion.