Frequent bursts in underground sewer lines have become a major concern for residents of Srirangam and Tiruvanaikovil, with repeated sewage overflows affecting several localities.

Residents have raised concerns over recurring sewage pipeline bursts near the Cauvery bridge, where more than 20-year-old reinforced cement concrete (RCC) pipelines have reportedly weakened over time. The repeated damage has resulted in sewage overflow in surrounding areas and nearby irrigation fields, causing inconvenience to the public.

At present, a two million litres a day (MLD) sewage treatment plant functioning at Panchakarai is said to be insufficient to handle the growing volume of sewage.

To address the issue, a four MLD sewage treatment plant had earlier been proposed on the banks of the Kollidam to pump out stagnant sewage water from irrigation fields. However, the project is yet to materialise.

Frequent sewage pipeline bursts have been reported on Gandhi Road in Srirangam. There have been several instances of road subsidence, leaving deep craters in the middle of the stretch due to damage in underground sewer pipelines. Though the civic body has carried out repair work and replaced damaged sections of pipelines, the issue continues to recur.

As a permanent solution, the civic body has proposed replacing the ageing RCC pipelines with corrosion-resistant cast iron pipes. Officials said the proposed pipelines are expected to last for more than 25 years.

Under the project, 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 700 metre from Mambazhasalai to Chathiram Bus Stand on the old Cauvery bridge will be replaced, considering its ageing condition. The new pipelines will be 600 mm in diameter.

The project, estimated to cost around ₹10 crore, is still awaiting approval despite detailed project reports having been submitted last year. Officials said the project had been delayed for want of fund allocation.

Mayor M. Anbazhagan said steps would be taken to expedite the project and replace the old sewer lines in the affected areas.