Crumbling pillars of overhead tank in Thiruvizhandur pose a threat to residents

A damaged pillar of the Overhead Tank in Kamarajar Nagar, Thiruvizhandur panchayat, Mayiladuthurai district. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Residents of Kamarajar Nagar in Thiruvizhandur Panchayat under the Mayiladuthurai block have raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of an overhead drinking water tank (OHT) that supplies water to over 120 families in the locality.

Installed more than 15 years ago, the 10,000-litre capacity tank is situated in a predominantly Scheduled Caste settlement and caters to households across four streets. Residents say the structure had become a hazard because of serious damage to its support system.

“Two of the four reinforced concrete pillars have developed cracks and the lower portions are visibly damaged, with chunks of concrete falling off. The exposed steel rods are corroded and have lost their strength,” said M. Thennarasu, a resident of Kamarajar Street.

Social activist A. Apparsundaram, who has taken up the issue on behalf of the residents, said: “We have submitted repeated petitions to the district administration and the Collector but there has been no response. The safety of the community is at stake.”

Fearing the tank may collapse during strong winds or adverse weather, residents — especially elderly people, women, and children — say they have been living in constant fear.

An official from the Rural Development department said the matter would be looked into.

Published - June 06, 2025 06:48 pm IST