Sewage overflow a perpetual woe for residents of Pillaiyar Koil Street in Akkarai

Residents of Pillaiyar Koil Street in Akkarai, Chennai, have grown accustomed to waking up to sewage running through their street, with regular overflows raising health concerns over the past several months.

They complain that sewage overflowing from machine holes on the street has become a common sight, and wastewater frequently spills onto the street due to a mismatch in the gradient levels of the road and the sewer network.

“We have no option but to step through the sewage to access the street. Children in the locality often fall sick due to mosquito issues,” said R. Pushpa, a resident. Many people on the street are reluctant to get new sewer connections, fearing that the issue may get aggravated further.

Another resident said she has heaped sand at her doorstep to prevent sewage from entering her compound. The street, located at the tail-end of the sewer network, is vulnerable to such overflows. The problem worsens during the monsoon season, with residents having to wade through floodwater mixed with sewage.

Though Chennai Metrowater personnel clear stagnant sewage whenever complaints are raised, residents said pumping out sewage has provided only temporary relief.

They have also demanded that the Akkarai pond in the ward be desilted for better groundwater recharge.

‘Issue raised’

Ward 197 councillor Menaga Shankar said she had given several representations about the issue and raised it at Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) zonal and council meetings, seeking a permanent solution. Estimates are being prepared to restore the Akkarai pond and also create a walkway, she added.

Officials of the Chennai Metrowater said the water agency has received complaints related to the pipeline laid against the natural gradient level on the street. Measures are being taken to re-lay the pipeline and connect it to the sewage pumping station.