Salem's Anthony Puram residents’ ordeale amidst open drain hazards

Anthony Puram, located in the 20th Ward of Salem Municipal Corporation and near the Junction Railway Station, faces severe hardships due to an open drain. The area, which houses over 200 residences, is plagued by snakes and other venomous creatures, causing distress among the local populace, say the residents.
“The open drain emits a foul odor, leading to occasional outbreaks of infectious diseases. Additionally, private companies and dyeing units discharge their waste into the drain, exacerbating the stench and health hazards” said the people to Mr. R Arul, Salem West MLA who visited the area to get a first hand assesment of the situation.
Residents living near the drain lack adequate road facilities, complicating emergency situations. In cases of illness or death, reaching the main road becomes a daunting task. This has resulted in potential renters avoiding the area, and locals facing difficulties in marriage arrangements.
Despite numerous requests to clean and refurbish the drain over the past 30 years, no action has been taken, leaving residents with no choice but to endure these conditions.
Expressing shock by the pervasive stench, overgrowth, and scattered garbage, he questioned how residents could live in such conditions and promised immediate action within a month. The MLA assured that the drain would be deepened, converted into a concrete canal, and the road expanded. He also committed to providing basic amenities and securing old age pensions for the elderly. Arul pledged to bring the issue to the attention of the district collector and municipal officials to ensure swift action