Erwadi panchayat residents seek basic amenities amid ongoing infrastructure gaps

Residents of Erwadi Panchayat in Tirumarugal block of Nagapattinam district have urged the administration to address long-standing gaps in basic infrastructure, including lack of public toilets, community halls, and interior roads across its nine villages

Residents of Erwadi Panchayat in Tirumarugal block of Nagapattinam district have urged the administration to address long-standing gaps in basic infrastructure, including lack of public toilets, community halls, and interior roads across its nine villages.

Erwadi Panchayat, located near the district border, comprises nine villages — Erwadi, Vichur, Kurumbur, Maruthavur, Sithambal, Palur, Kottapadi, Gurunathapuram, and Paramanallur — with a combined population of around 3,000. Owing to its remoteness from the taluk headquarters in Nagapattinam, the panchayat has seen little infrastructure development.

“There is not even a single public toilet in any of the villages. Women suffer the most due to open defecation,” said Saritha R., a resident. Indira K., pointed out that village roads were still in poor condition despite construction of major roads finally beginning after repeated petitions.

The panchayat lacks a community hall or common gathering space, making it difficult for residents to host events or take shelter during adverse weather. “During the monsoon, many low-lying areas here get flooded. We have no rescue shelter or even a hall for temporary refuge,” Ms. Indira said.

Residents have requested proper access steps to the irrigation canal running through the region to assist with domestic and farming needs such as washing and livestock use. Rajkumar R., district committee member of the Makkal Athigara Kazhagam, said: “Most residents are agricultural labourers and belong to economically weaker sections. This is one of the most neglected panchayats in the district. Despite the population size, successive administrations have ignored their basic rights.”

A Rural Development department official acknowledged the concerns. “We provide funds under the Swachh Bharat Mission, but some beneficiaries have failed to build the toilets. If residents come forward again, we are willing to assist. Major roads are now under construction, and we can explore an MP fund request for a community hall,” the official said.