Rain worsens condition of roads in Kovai

Rains have worsened the condition of roads dug up for underground drainage (UGD) and the 24/7 drinking water supply projects in several parts of Coimbatore, leaving motorists struggling to negotiate mud and damaged stretches.
A social activist and resident of Veerakeralam said two roads connecting the locality to Marudhamalai Road were in a poor condition. The roads had been dug up to lay pipes and construct chambers for the underground drainage project, but the excavated stretches had not been properly restored after the work.
“Motorists struggle to cross these stretches without getting stuck in the mud. Even on Marudhamalai Road, a private bus and a government bus got stuck in a damaged portion following excavation recently. Once the work is completed, the roads should be restored immediately,” he said.
Questioning the delay in repairs, he said officials had cited the need to follow the tender process for road restoration.
However, roads in Gandhipuram were hastily repaired ahead of the recent visit by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to the city, he said, asking why the tender requirement had not delayed those
works.
Corporation officials said laying bitumen during the rainy season would not be effective. As a temporary measure, wet-mix material was being used to level damaged stretches. Excavated portions were being barricaded, and the trenches were being backfilled wherever pipes had been laid, they said.
Residents said the problem extended to Avinashi road, Chinnavedampatti, Vellakinar, Vedapatti, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti and parts of Vadavalli, affecting the movement of school vans, buses and ambulances.
Meanwhile, Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja chaired a review meeting on monsoon preparedness at the Integrated Command and Control Centre in R.S. Puram on Wednesday and instructed officials to intensify monitoring of low-lying areas, prioritise stormwater drain cleaning and respond promptly to rain-related complaints.