Salem Municipal Corporation officials urged to desilt the Anthonypuram stream

SALEM: Residents of Ward 20 have urged the Salem Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials to desilt the Anthonypuram stream. They requested the officials to repair a bridge over the stream and a road leading to it.

The Anthonypuram stream originates in the Mamangam area and flows into the Bodinaickenpatty lake. Even a light rain causes the stream to swell.This stream that serves as a vital water source for the Bodinaickenpatty lake is currently in a state of disrepair due to insufficient maintenance. More than 500 families reside on both banks of the stream. "The concrete bridge built across the stream 25 years ago is now in a state of disrepair," stated K Venkatachalam, a resident.

He noted that the tar road leading to the bridge is in poor condition and riddled with potholes.The community has voiced their concerns, stating that despite numerous appeals to the govt and SMC officials to desilt the stream and widen the road, no action has been taken.Salem West PMK MLA R Arul mentioned that he had visited the stream multiple times. "I have also notified the relevant corporation officials and mayor A Ramachandran.

However, no one has come to this area yet," he said.A corporation said a resolution was passed during a council meeting in 2023 to desilt the stream. A project estimate for renovating the Anthonypuram stream and the roadway was prepared and submitted to the govt. "But it has been put on hold," he said.