New super sucker yet to ease UGD woes in Tiruchi

Despite the procurement of a high-capacity multipurpose super sucker machine to clear clogged underground drainage (UGD) networks, Tiruchi continues to grapple with frequent sewage overflows in several areas, causing concern among residents.

Overflowing manholes and blocked sewer lines continue to be a recurring problem, particularly during peak usage hours and after intermittent rainfall. The situation has led to foul odour, unhygienic surroundings and inconvenience to the public. Sewage outflow has become a common sight in interior streets, especially in densely populated localities such as Khajamalai, Singarathope, Srirangam, Crawford, Bheema Nagar, Big Bazaar Street and KK Nagar.

The Tiruchi Corporation, after considerable delay, acquired the advanced super sucker machine to desilt underground sewer lines and remove solid waste more efficiently. The 13,000-litre capacity vehicle was purchased at a cost of ₹3.78 crore from the 15th Finance Commission Funds, with the objective of ensuring faster maintenance and preventing blockages.

However, residents allege that the benefits of the new equipment are yet to be fully realised on the ground. “Whenever we complain about the overflowing sewer to officials or the councillor, they say that an advanced machine has been procured to resolve the issue, but no concrete action has been taken so far,” said R. Vinayaga Moorthy, a resident.

Despite repeated complaints to the authorities, a lasting solution has not been found. Sludge continues to ooze out in several areas, and short-term fixes have proved ineffective. “The issue has persisted for months, and overflowing manholes pose a health hazard as stagnation leads to mosquito breeding,” he added.

A senior Corporation official said the super sucker had been deployed in areas where complaints were high. He attributed the overflows to the improper disposal of solid waste into drains and ageing pipelines, and said steps were being taken to conduct regular maintenance drives and deploy the machine in vulnerable zones.

Meanwhile, sources said the super sucker, owing to its large size, had limitations in navigating narrow streets. Many interior and commercial areas near the Main Guard Gate, Gandhi Market and Singarathope were too constricted for the vehicle to access, limiting its effectiveness in some of the worst-affected localities.