Mon May 26 14:23:22 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
AIADMK MLA S.P. Velumani, along with other party legislators, submitted a petition to the Coimbatore District Collector, Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, protesting increased charges for underground drainage and drinking water in Coimbatore. They argue the increased charges burden the public, especially when combined with increased property taxes. They also highlighted issues with damaged roads due to infrastructure projects, poor maintenance of Smart City lakes, delays in infrastructure projects, inadequate crop relief, the Vellalore dump yard odour problem, irregular water supply despite sufficient resources, and incomplete Pilloor III drinking water project infrastructure.
**News Article:**
**Coimbatore Residents Face Mounting Bills, Crumbling Infrastructure, AIADMK Claims**
**Coimbatore, May 26, 2025** – A delegation of AIADMK legislators, led by MLA S.P. Velumani, presented a petition to Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar today, raising concerns about rising costs and deteriorating civic infrastructure impacting the city’s residents.
The core of their complaint revolves around a Coimbatore Corporation council resolution that has increased deposit and monthly charges for underground drainage (UGD) and drinking water supply. Mr. Velumani argued that these hikes place an undue financial burden on the public, particularly in conjunction with increased property taxes and other levies. “Residents are being squeezed,” Mr. Velumani stated. “The administration must intervene and reverse this decision.”
Beyond the financial strain, the petition also highlighted significant infrastructure issues plaguing Coimbatore. The MLAs pointed to approximately 700 km of roads damaged during UGD and 24/7 water supply projects, with inadequate restoration efforts leaving roads hazardous, especially during the recent rains.
“The roads are a danger to the public,” Velumani emphasized.
The MLAs also criticized the upkeep of the city’s Smart City lakes, claiming that rampant growth of water hyacinth and other vegetation have rendered many waterbodies and walkways unusable. Furthermore, the delegation urged the administration to expedite pending infrastructure projects such as the Western Bypass and the SIHS Colony bridge.
Addressing reporters after submitting the petition, Mr. Velumani cited the recent storm damage to crops and the inadequacy of relief efforts. He also reiterated concerns about the persistent odour emanating from the Vellalore dump yard and delays in allocating buses to the outskirts of the city.
A major point of contention was the irregular water supply to Coimbatore residents. “Despite receiving about 320 MLD water from various schemes, water is being supplied only once in four or five days. The administration must consult TWAD Board and Corporation officials to ensure regular distribution,” he said. Velumani questioned how a city of 2.2 million could face water scarcity when the supply already exceeded the needs.
The legislators further pressed for the timely completion of the Pilloor III drinking water project, noting the incomplete state of several planned elevated tanks.
The District Collector’s office has yet to release a statement regarding the petition. The situation remains unresolved and has ignited public concern regarding the escalating costs and the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
First Piper 