Infrastructure gains, civic gaps define Nagercoil’s electoral mood

With over 2.57 lakh voters and 322 polling stations, following the latest Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Nagercoil constituency is gearing up for a crucial electoral contest.

While the rapidly expanding Corporation has witnessed a notable infrastructure development progress in recent years, voices from across the constituency reveal a mixed picture – one that balances visible development with pressing concerns that remain unresolved.

The constituency has a total of 2,57,022 voters, including 1,25,873 men, 1,31,139 women and 10 others.

Nagercoil, a rapidly developing Tier-III city in down south, attained its Corporation status in 2019 and its first Mayor was elected in 2022. Since then the local body has been implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the infrastructure. The Corporation comprises 52 wards and most of which fall under Nagercoil constituency.

Bow Singh, a resident of Krishnancoil said that the area has witnessed significant development in recent years, particularly in terms of regular waste collection and other improved infrastructural facilities.

Mukesh, a hotelier from Vallankumaravilai, highlighted the improvement in road conditions, especially the stretch from Beach Road junction to Mela Krishnanputhoor. He said that roads were now being laid efficiently compared to previous years.

However, residents have also raised several concerns. One of the primary demands is the relocation of Nagercoil Corporation’s dumping yard at Valampurivilai, which is situated in the heart of the city.

Arun, a resident of Vattavilai, emphasized the immediate need to relocate the dumping yard outside the city limits, citing serious health hazards for nearby residents.

“The foul smell emanating from the dumping yard, especially during the rainy season, is intolerable for both residents and commuters passing through that route,” he added.

He noted that smoke from the frequent fire outbreaks at the dumping yard engulf the surrounding areas, posing health risks and causing inconvenience to commuters.

Arjun, a vendor from Irulappapuram market, highlighted the growing menace of stray cattle in the region, which has led to few accidents in the area. “Complaints regarding the stray cattle have been raised multiple times. However authorities have not taken any effective measures to prevent the menace,” he said.

Similarly stray dog menace has also been a major concern across the constituency.

Saffna, a resident of Elankadai said, “a pack of dogs has occupied a stretch from Vattavilai to Elankadai, posing threat to commuters and pedestrians.” She added whoever comes to power, must take effective measures to address the issue.

Nagarajan, an auto rickshaw driver from Vadasery, pointed out the need to restore waterbodies in the constituency, including Pazhayar river, the small tank near Vadasery bus stand and other major waterbodies across the constituency.

In his comments, regarding the infrastructure developments in Nagerocil constituency he said that most of the political parties concentrate on road works, street lights and other major infrastructural development. Acknowledging the importance of infrastructure , he said many current politicians have overlooked the conservation of waterbodies, particularly in Nagercoil constituency.

“In a pursuit of development, they forgot to conserve the waterbodies of the constituency,” he observed.

In the constituency voters seem to have weighed both the visible strides in infrastructure and the unresolved civic issue that affect daily life. While development remains a key factor, addressing concerns such as waste management, stray animal menace and conservation of water bodies will likely play a huge role in shaping the electorate’s choice.

Published – March 28, 2026 11:11 pm IST