Tiruchi Corporation to address recurring sewer block issues

Sewage water overflowing from a manhole at Sundar Nagar in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Tiruchi Corporation has initiated measures to repair faults in the underground drainage (UGD) network in areas prone to frequent blockages.

A technical study was conducted in December by a private consultant to identify faults in the UGD network in Khajamalai and Race Course Road areas following frequent incidents of pipeline bursts and sewage overflow.

A sewer construction defect has been found on Khajamalai Main Road. The pipelines, which are more than 20 years old, are not uniformly laid at the same level, resulting in irregular flow and blockages. Officials said silt buildup in the pipelines is one of the reasons for the recurring issue.

Based on the findings, the civic body has decided to replace the sewer line in the stretch under the ongoing Phase IV of the UGD project to rectify the design flaws. Additionally, it is planned to enlarge the UGD manholes on the stretch to accommodate specialised silt-removal vehicles. Work on replacing the pipeline is expected to begin in a week.

Similarly, due to frequent sewage pipeline bursts on Gandhi Road and on the old Cauvery bridge in Srirangam, the civic body has planned to replace the UGD network. Since the UGD network in Srirangam is more than 22 years old, the existing reinforced cement concrete (RCC) pipelines have also become corroded, developing frequent bursts.

As per the plan, pipelines of about 550 metre in length from the railway track to Tiruchi Chennai Trunk Road running at 8 feet depth below Gandhi Road will be replaced. Similarly, pipelines for about 610 metre on the old Cauvery bridge will be replaced, considering its ageing condition.

The existing ones will be replaced with cast iron pipes that come with a corrosion-resistant coating and are 600 mm in diameter. Officials said that the corrosion-resistant coating helps prevent seepages in the network and would last more than 25 years. “Preparation of a detailed report and project estimation is underway. The works are to be carried out under the General Funds,” said a senior Corporation official.

The civic body would conduct similar studies in areas where sewer bursts and overflows keep occurring to ascertain the issue and come up with solutions to rectify it.