Erode (West): water scarcity, pollution concerns, and transport gaps in district’s largest constituency

With around 2.45 lakh electors, the Erode (West) Assembly constituency has the largest voter base in the district. The region is driven by agriculture, textile processing, and a vast network of power loom units, making it both industrially significant and agriculturally dependent. This blend of rapid urban expansion and rural settlements has created a complex set of civic and developmental challenges.

One-third of the constituency falls within the Erode Corporation limits, including Surampatti, Thindal, Muthampalayam, Periyasemur, Villarasampatti and Kasipalayam. Meanwhile, areas such as Kadirampatti, Suriyampalayam, Gangapuram, Kavundachipalayam, Chithode, and Nasiyanur lie on the outskirts, where urbanisation is expanding but infrastructure development remains uneven and slow-paced. This contrast has resulted in disparities in access to basic amenities across the constituency.

Water supply woes

Irregular drinking water supply remains one of the most pressing concerns, particularly in rural and peripheral areas. Water scarcity also continues to affect agriculture, a primary livelihood for many residents. Farmers frequently highlight the unpredictability of water availability, which directly impacts crop productivity and income stability, pointing to the need for better water management and distribution systems.

Urban civic issues are equally prominent. Rapid and often unplanned urbanisation has placed significant pressure on infrastructure, leading to traffic congestion, especially along Perundurai Road, a key arterial stretch lined with commercial establishments, hospitals, and educational institutions. With increasing vehicular movement and expanding residential layouts, the demand for a flyover or elevated corridor has intensified. A 5.4-km elevated corridor from Kalingarayan Illam to Thindal on Perundurai Road, announced in 2019 during the AIADMK regime, remains unimplemented. While the AIADMK has blamed the DMK government for delays, the latter has cited failed soil tests and land acquisition challenges due to dense commercial activity along the route.

Civic infra

Basic infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with growth. Residents point to delays in implementing the Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) in several corporation areas, forcing continued reliance on inadequate drainage systems. Poorly maintained stormwater drains and the absence of a comprehensive underground sewer network have led to water stagnation and sanitation issues, particularly during the monsoon.

Environmental issues also weigh heavily. The discharge of untreated effluents from textile processing units into waterbodies, channels, and streams has caused pollution, affecting both agriculture and public health. Despite repeated complaints, residents say a long-term solution remains elusive.

The power loom sector, a backbone of the local economy, is facing significant challenges. More than 25,000 units in areas such as Chithode and Veerappanchatiram are struggling due to rising yarn prices, resulting in job losses and financial distress among workers. The long-pending demand for a dedicated textile park has yet to be realised. Similarly, farmers continue to press for an integrated turmeric complex. The constituency also witnesses considerable labour movement, adding pressure on housing and transport infrastructure.

Public transport connectivity remains inadequate, particularly for workers who rely on daily commuting. Residents highlight limited bus frequency, poor last-mile connectivity, and insufficient access to interior and peripheral areas as major concerns.

Solid waste management is another challenge, especially in expanding urban fringes where improper segregation and dumping are frequently reported. The growing stray dog menace has also raised safety concerns. Access to quality public healthcare and education in peripheral areas is limited, forcing many residents to depend on facilities in the urban core.

Amid these persistent issues, voters are calling for more focused and sustained development. There is a strong demand for improved infrastructure, including better road networks, planned urban expansion, and the timely execution of long-pending projects. Ensuring a reliable drinking water supply remains a top priority, particularly in rural areas. At the same time, residents are seeking improved public transport, with better connectivity and increased service frequency.

Political contour

Politically, the constituency has seen shifts since delimitation. The AIADMK’s K.V. Ramalingam represented the seat in 2011 and 2016, while the DMK’s S. Muthusamy won in 2021. Currently serving as the Minister for Housing, Prohibition, and Excise, he maintains a strong presence in the constituency. While residents acknowledge that welfare schemes have reached many sections, they stress that long-standing civic issues require sustained attention and timely execution.

As the constituency continues to expand, addressing these interconnected challenges will remain central to governance and voter expectations.

Published – March 23, 2026 06:29 pm IST