Residents of Tambaram Corporation have raised concerns that the civic body’s 2025–26 budget has not earmarked funds for underground drainage (UGD) facilities in Wards 29, 30 and 31. In the absence of a proper drainage system, wastewater from households is flowing through street canals and contaminating nearby water bodies including Thiruneermalai Naatu Kalvai, Periya Eri and Veeraraghavan Eri. Residents said that the ensuing pollution is degrading the groundwater, creating unhygienic conditions and emitting foul odours.

In response to mounting public pressure and a recent protest in which hundreds of Thiruneermalai residents formed a human chain demanding urgent action to restore Periya Eri, an official from the civic body said: “The underground drainage work plan has been submitted to the State, and the work will begin when we receive the funds within three months.” Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for renovating drains in older areas and installing new drains in the corporation’s expanded regions have also been prepared and are awaiting the State approval.

Local residents have urged the authorities to reconsider the budget allocations and prioritise UGD implementation in these wards, arguing that without a comprehensive drainage system, the allocated ₹5.15 crore for water resource development will have limited impact on addressing the region’s sanitation challenges.