River protection and infrastructure woes

The previous district collector of Tirunelveli had announced strict measures, including the imposition of fines on violators, towards the end of his tenure to protect Thamirabarani river which has been highly polluted because of effluents and sewage from different sources. The practice of leaving clothes in the river as part of religious beliefs in the Papanasam area has made the situation worse.

Protected drinking water is not being supplied in many parts of the district. As the new collector had previously served in TWAD, he can easily understand the severity of the water crisis faced by the people. Most of the roads in the city have become unfit for use due to the UGDS works, which are progressing at snail pace.

The collector is requested to act on war footing to address these issues in the interest of the public.

Rajakumar Arulanandham,

Tirunelveli.

Freshwater resources at risk

Kanniyakumari district is known for several freshwater waterbodies, and serves as habitat for fish and birds. They contribute to a healthy economy, tourism, recreation and drinking water. But most of the lakes are in poor condition with excess chemical nutrients, contributing to algae blooms and low oxygen levels affecting the ecological health and recreation. Lotus that grows in shallow water is found in many water bodies affecting fish farming, leaving freshwater resources at risk.

The district administration is requested to take science-based solutions to remove algae, weeds and other quality issues to safeguard the freshwater resources and the environment.

G. Stanley Jeyasingh,

Nagercoil.

Water supply issue

At the Eruvadi town panchayat in Tirunelveli district, drinking water is usually supplied between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. on alternate days. However, currently, the supply schedule has been changed to once every two days. Previously during the festival times such Diwali, Ramzan and Pongal, the water was supplied between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. During the festival times people often face difficulties in managing daily work due to lack of water supply. The town panchayat authorities are requested to pay attention to water supply during festival days.

A.Kaja Nazimudeen,

Eruvadi.

Remove Tasmac shop

It is a welcome move that the TVK government as soon as come to power has ordered the closure to 717 Tasmac shops functioning within 500 metres from hospitals, schools, temples and other government establishments. Unfortunately in their hurry, officials may have missed to include certain outlets for closure. One such is located on the Sivalaperi road in Shanti Nagar. As a result consumers of alcohol throng this shop, leaving their two-wheelers parking haphazardly on the road and causing inconvenience to the public. The shop is located opposite to a private hospital, near to the government veterinary hospital on one side and petrol bunk on the other side. In addition, a higher secondary school and temple are located within 200 metres of the liquor shop. The authorities concerned are requested to take action to remove the Tasmac shop on Sivalaperi road in the interest of the public.

Rajakumar Arulanandham,

Tirunelveli