Madurai: Sewage flowing from a drainage channel in Madakulam has been mixing with water in the Muthupatti channel, a key waterway used for irrigating crops in Madurai. Residents of Madakulam allege that poorly laid underground drainage (UGD) pipelines in their area are responsible for the leakage, allowing sewage to seep into the channel.
Residents demand permanent solution
B Krishnan, a resident of Madakulam, stated, “There are constant complaints from residents regarding sewage overflows and leakages.” Although desilting of the channel took place in November and waste is regularly cleared, a permanent solution to the sewage leakage remains elusive.
Another resident, Muthuvel, highlighted the gravity of the issue: “Water from the Muthupatti channel is used to irrigate crops and is also pumped out as drinking water for many people in the area.” He emphasized that UGD pipes need to be reinforced or repaired to prevent leakage and redirected to avoid mixing with channel water.
PWD official responds
A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official stated that the Muthupatti channel is being maintained properly and that the issue of sewage mixing with channel water will be thoroughly investigated. “Measures have been put in place to ensure that waste dumping into the channel does not happen,” the official added.
