Thoothukudi
Ahead of the Ottapidaram bypoll, residents want politicians to address a number of key issues in the reserved constituency, including water scarcity and development of local trade.
One of the long-standing demands is the construction of a check dam across Kombadi channel in order to augment water storage during the monsoons.
“Following a study, PWD officials said that it would be possible to construct a check dam at Malaipatti and provide water to Ottapidaram, Puthiamputhur and other areas about two years ago,” said T. Shanmugaraj, CPI(M) district executive committee member. However, the project is yet to take off, he added.
The groundwater scarcity has been exacerbated because of borewells sunk for the benefit of heavy industries.
He says that healthcare should be made available round the clock at the Ottapidaram Government Hospital. Further, a court should be set up in the taluk, he added.
Traders in the area, especially the garments business in Puthiamputhur which earned the town its name ‘Kutti Tiruppur’, need a boost from the government.
Ahead of the parliamentary election, candidates from major parties promised to set up a readymade garments park in the area.
“A lot of us are selling the garments from our houses and small outlets. Having a textile park would help our wholesale business a lot,” said a businessman, who did not wish to be named.
A section of the people also tried to come up with a ‘consortium’ to avail government benefits. “The MSME department has promised to give us machines for embroidery, washing unit and other activity that individual units can’t afford by themselves with a subsidy of up to ₹5 crore. This would bring down the production costs. But, the project is stuck in a land issue,” said S.S.D. Jegatheesan, one of the businessmen.
Further, they seek that a railway station close to Puthiamputhur to facilitate their transport. “A lot of people travel to Surat for their business. Rail connectivity would help our business a big deal,” he said. Subsidised electricity should also be given, he added.
Further, the residents seek creation of a heritage circuit connecting various places of tourist interest such as Panchalankurichi Kattabomman memorial fort, house of V.O.Chidambaram and other places of interest.