Minister Sampath Kumar Inspects Flooded Areas, Pulls Up Officials Over Drain Maintenance

Coimbatore: Incessant rainfall across Coimbatore city and its suburbs on Sunday inundated roads and low-lying residential areas, disrupting normal life and prompting Minister for Welfare of Backward Classes V. Sampath Kumar to inspect the worst-hit localities and confront a Corporation official over lapses in stormwater drain maintenance.

Several localities reported rainwater mixed with sewage entering homes, causing damage to household belongings and creating foul odour and sanitation concerns. Residents in Rathinapuri and neighbouring areas staged a protest over the flooding, demanding immediate measures to drain the accumulated water.

During his inspection, Sampath Kumar questioned a Corporation official over the persistent waterlogging and the maintenance of stormwater drains, expressing dissatisfaction with the preventive measures taken ahead of the heavy rains. Questioning the official, the Minister reportedly said, "Not even for a single day is the work being carried out properly. Where have you desilted the drains? Come tomorrow with the people and show them the places where you have carried out the work." He further pointed out that proper desilting and maintenance of drainage channels could have helped prevent the current situation.

In Sanganur and Kannappa Nagar, which fall under Ward 32 in the Rathinapuri area, the overflowing Sanganur stream reportedly caused rainwater mixed with sewage to enter nearby homes. Residents suffered damage to household articles and faced foul odour and unhygienic conditions. At Narayanasamy Layout in Kannappa Nagar, the Minister inspected the affected houses and instructed officials to immediately pump out stagnant water and desilt the waterways.

Sampath Kumar also inspected rain-affected areas in Ward 44 of Sai Baba Colony and Ward 28 of Nallampalayam, directing Corporation officials to accelerate water-drainage operations and address complaints regarding sewage overflow. He stressed the need for prompt remedial action to prevent further hardship to residents.

At Maniyakarampalayam near Kavundampalayam, he inspected the spot where an uprooted tree had fallen on a car during the heavy rainfall, causing damage.

Residents appealed to the Minister for immediate relief measures, including the removal of stagnant water, restoration of drainage channels and effective sewage management. They also urged the Corporation to implement permanent solutions to prevent recurring inundation of low-lying residential areas during the monsoon.

The Minister's confrontation with the Corporation official has brought renewed attention to stormwater drain maintenance and flood preparedness in Coimbatore, as residents await effective action to address the recurring waterlogging and sanitation problems.