After 2 days of rain, water channels in Madurai cleared

Madurai: With Madurai experiencing rain for several hours on Thursday and Friday, many roads in the city witnessed waterlogging and traffic congestion. Since there was no rain on Saturday, corporation workers removed stagnant water and also encroachments on water channels.
South and north banks of Vaigai including Kamarajar Salai, Veli Streets, Avani Moola Streets, Masi Streets, Jaihindpuram, Tallakulam, K Pudur, Anna Nagar, KK Nagar and Gomathipuram saw water stagnation.Diwali shoppers and roadside vendors near Vilakkuthoon and Masi Streets were also hit hard. Puddles of water were found on uneven roads. “Since Masi Streets are a major connecting area in the heart of the city, Diwali shoppers who gathered were already slowing down traffic movement. But there was not much inconvenience today as there was no rain and much of the water has drained or dried up,” said R Muthurajan, a trader on South Masi Street.
Commercial taxes minister P Moorthy along with collector Dr S Aneesh Sekhar, corporation commissioner Simranjeet Kahlon, mayor V Indrani and other officials inspected the areas near Narayanapuram reservoir and Periya Puliyankulam reservoir channel. The minister said efforts are being taken to remove encroachments to ensure smooth flow of water in channels.
“On the CM’s directions, vulnerable areas are being inspected even before rains so that concerned department officials can take precautionary measures on a war-footing. Rains started earlier than expected in Madurai. Officials along with resident welfare associations have taken up work to remove water from waterlogged areas,” Moorthy told reporters.