SC residents in Kodiyalam panchayat seek road repairs, street lights for crematorium access

The cremation road in Therku Pulivalam village under Kodiyalam panchayat in Tiruchi district is in a severely damaged condition. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Residents of Therku Pulivalam village in Kodiyalam panchayat in Tiruchi district have appealed to the district administration to urgently rebuild the severely damaged road leading to their local crematorium and farmlands.

A majority of the residents in this village, located in Andanallur block, belong to the Scheduled Castes.

The stretch, located along the left bank of the Kodingal canal, has been in a dilapidated condition for over 15 years. Filled with potholes and craters, the road is virtually unusable for vehicular traffic, forcing villagers to walk long distances — sometimes even while carrying the bodies — to reach the Adi Dravidar crematorium situated more than 1 km away.

“It is not just a burial ground road,” said M. Murugesan, a resident. “Farmers from this area depend on it to transport farm inputs and carry harvested produce to nearby markets. The poor condition affects everyone.” D. Chandrasekaran, another resident, stressed on the need to install at least five street lights along the route to aid at night, especially during funeral processions.

Ayalai Siva Suriyan, district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, said many representations had been made to the district administration. “We request the District Collector to visit the site and ensure that the road is repaired and converted into a proper tar road, with necessary lighting and drainage,” said Mr. Siva Suriyan.

A senior official from the Rural Development Department acknowledged the issue and said that funds were awaited for taking up the repair work.

Published - June 07, 2025 05:43 pm IST