
Thu Apr 02 15:55:21 UTC 2026: # Mettur Constituency Faces Water Woes and Development Challenges Ahead of Elections
The Story:
Ahead of the upcoming elections, the Mettur constituency in Tamil Nadu is grappling with a multitude of issues, ranging from inadequate drinking water supply and lack of streetlights to demands for administrative reforms and environmental concerns. Residents express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and governance. The constituency, historically an AIADMK stronghold, is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with the DMK, TVK, and NTK also vying for victory. The article highlights specific grievances voiced by residents concerning water scarcity, lack of infrastructure, and administrative inefficiencies, potentially impacting the election outcome.
Key Points:
- The Mettur constituency is located 52 km from Salem and is known for its chemical industries and the Mettur Dam.
- Residents of Kolathur are concerned about a Tasmac outlet near the bus stand causing inconvenience and safety issues, especially for women.
- Lack of streetlights on the Mettur-Mysuru highway is leading to accidents, particularly at night.
- Mettur Municipality faces irregular drinking water supply, with water being supplied only once every 10 days to many wards.
- A proposed lift irrigation scheme to address water scarcity in Kolathur panchayat union is yet to be implemented despite inspections in October 2025.
- Residents of Mecheri are demanding bifurcation of Mettur taluk to create a new taluk with Mecheri as its headquarters due to administrative difficulties.
- Sewage water is being released into Pottaneri Lake and other water bodies, raising environmental concerns.
- The AIADMK candidate is G. Venkatachalam, and the DMK candidate is Mithun Chakravarthy. Selvam from TVK and Vidhya from NTK are also contesting.
Key Takeaways:
- Basic amenities like drinking water and streetlights remain significant concerns for residents in the Mettur constituency.
- Delayed infrastructure projects and administrative inefficiencies are fueling public discontent.
- The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and demand accountability from political parties.
- The historical dominance of AIADMK in the constituency is being challenged by other parties capitalizing on local issues.
- Environmental degradation due to sewage disposal poses a long-term threat to the region’s water resources.