Tiruchi Corporation tells owners of neglected empty plots to clean up

Following complaints from residents, Tiruchi Corporation has begun to crack down on poorly maintained plots, urging the owners to clean up their property

Following complaints from residents, Tiruchi Corporation has begun to crack down on poorly maintained plots, urging the owners to clean up their property.

The heavy rainfall that lashed the city last month caused severe inundation in several residential areas, turning the empty plots into mini swamps and triggering health concerns among residents. The pools of stagnant water become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and overgrown weeds turned into a haven for reptiles.

The poorly maintained plots become mini dumps for the residents to dispose of garbage. The unbearable stench poses a serious health hazard. As plots are prone to water stagnation and flooding, measures have been initiated to identify and serve notice on owners of these properties. Warning boards would be placed near these sites to encourage upkeep.

According to sources, there are around 18,000 plots in the city. Residential areas such as K.K. Nagar, Khajamalai, Vayalur, Kattur, Ramachandra Nagar, Karumandapam, Viswas Nagar, Piratiyur, and Kumaran Nagar are some of the affected areas.

Civic activists have urged the authorities to instruct the plot owners to level and raise the grounds with mud to prevent stagnation. Officials said a majority of plot owners were not residents, and the custodians of these properties were not maintaining the plots regularly. Councillors have been asked to identify the owners of such properties in their wards.

“Steps will be taken soon to clear poorly maintained vacant plots to prevent water stagnation and health hazards,” said a senior Corporation official.