Residents of Pattanam panchayat in Coimbatore plant saplings in slushy roads after rains to protest lack of basic infrastructure

Residents in Pattanam panchayat protest lack of infrastructure with symbolic tree planting, demanding immediate road and drainage improvements.

Residents of Pattanam panchayat, near Sulur, in Coimbatore staged a symbolic protest on Wednesday by planting saplings in waterlogged, unpaved roads, drawing attention to the lack of basic infrastructure.

Recent rainfall has rendered roads in areas such as Kaveri Nagar and Ranga Nagar in Pattanam panchayat slushy and inaccessible. Residents cited the absence of stormwater drains and bitumen-topped roads as key issues that have left the locality increasingly vulnerable during the monsoon.

“For 15 years, there has been no development. Drinking water is supplied once every 12 days, forcing nearly half the residents to purchase water. Roads have remained damaged for years, and the panchayat frequently cites shortage of funds. Pipeline works have also left several stretches dug up,” said V. Barani, a resident.

Residents demanded immediate action to lay roads and build proper drainage systems. They warned that protests will escalate if the authorities failed to respond.

The Sulur Block Development Officer said that IOCL pipeline work is currently under way and road restoration will commence once it is completed. Estimates for roadworks in peri-urban areas have already been prepared and execution will begin shortly, the official added.

Meanwhile, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar and Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran chaired a review meeting on Wednesday.

During the meeting, officials were instructed to begin immediate repair and reconstruction of key roads, including the Ganapathy–Kanuvai Road via Maniyakkarapalayam, Thudiyalur–Marudhamalai Road, and the Ramanathapuram–Chettipalayam Road via Nanjundapuram.