Latest news with #UGDS
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Delay in road restoration irks commuters in Nagercoil
Motorists commuting through most roads in Nagercoil Corporation limits often experience a bumpy ride, primarily due to the roads dug up for infrastructure development works like Underground Drainage System (UGDS) and ongoing drinking water projects. These works often resulted in the delay in road restoration. In several areas, the patch work carried out is of poor quality, which usually washes away after even a brief spell of rain. Due to the ongoing drinking water project, people are struggling with the stretch from Kottar to Malik Dinar school, which has been dug up and left unrestored. As one of the key commercial corridors within the corporation limits, the condition of the road has irked the commuters. Divakaran, an autorickshaw driver said that major infrastructural work like this should ideally be undertaken during summer vacation. Highlighting the poor condition of the road near the St. Joseph Convent Higher Secondary School, he added, 'It has become extremely rough during the school hours in morning and evening, as the vehicles are forced to travel on these non motorable roads.' In the case of UGDS work, the project is being developed at a cost of ₹129 crore, with the UGDS network spanning 1,15,923 meters with 4,667 manholes, a pumping station at Vadiveewsaram and a sewage treatment plant at Valampurivilai dumping yard. However, of the 52 wards in the corporation, the work has been completed in only 17 wards, officials said. Syed Meeran from Elankadai pointed out that several manholes are not aligned with the road surface and pose a significant risk to commuters. 'The manholes must be levelled equal to the roads. But in this area many are few inches below the surface, particularly in the middle of the road.' Mr. Meeran added that the officials should ensure all restoration and development works do not pose safety risk to road users. While several councilors have been actively urging the government to speed up the UGDS work and road restoration, the work still progresses at a snail pace in many of the city, residents charged. Meena Dev, a BJP Councillor from Nagercoil Corporation said the UGDS project has been ongoing in the corporation for more than seven years, which definitely needs to accelerate its speed. She noted that many corporations which had begun after Nagercoil had completed the project. 'If the road has been dug up in an area, it has to be completely restored before moving to another area. But here the contractors are moving from one place to another place without complete restoration,' Ms. Meena Dev added. Speaking to The Hindu, Nagercoil Corporation Mayor R. Mahesh said that orders have been issued for the new road from Anna Bus Stand and preparatory works have already commenced. He added that the ongoing project for drinking water from Poigai dam, under the AMRUT scheme is underway. 'The UGDS works had been completed in 17 wards and other wards will commence shortly,' he noted.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Nagercoil Corporation Council passes resolution against proposed site of neo tidel park
The Nagercoil Corporation Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed site for the establishment of a neo tidel park in the region, urging that alternative locations within the corporation limits or other government-owned lands in the district be considered. The resolution was adopted at the monthly council meeting held at the corporation office on Monday. After unanimously approving 115 resolutions at the meeting, Ward 37 Councillor Selvam raised concerns over the proposed construction of the park at Anathai Madam ground near S.T. Hindu College. He said the land was originally donated for homeless people in the city and repurposing it for a commercial infrastructure would defeat the intent behind the donation. Several councillors echoed his concerns and voiced their opposition. The councilors also strongly condemned the district administration's proposal to establish the park without consulting the Nagercoil Corporation council, since the land falls under the corporation's jurisdiction. Responding to the issue, Mayor R. Mahesh said the 'Anathai Math' land was one of the few remaining open spaces in the heart of the city, spanning over four acres. The space hosted annual exhibitions, circuses and various government events. 'Moreover, the establishment of the neo tidel park at the proposed site would further increase the traffic congestion in the area.' Mr. Mahesh suggested that the government explore other viable options such as a 30-acre land parcel near Anjugramam, or similar spaces within the corporation boundaries, to avoid disrupting the purpose of the original donation and the area's current utility. At the meeting, the councilors also highlighted the delay in the rollout of the underground drainage system (UGDS) connection to households. They urged swift action to complete UGDS and associated road works, as many areas remained dug up due to stalled drainage projects. Ward 45 Councillor Satheesh mentioned the delay in implementing infrastructural works including replacement of water tanks and street lights. In response, the Mayor instructed the officials to expedite the UGDS implementation and prioritise small-scale infrastructure upgrades that could be completed quickly. He also announced that slaughterhouses would soon be established in each zone and requested the councillors to identify suitable vacant buildings in their areas for the purpose.
