Tharuvaikulam Residents Demand Stream Clearance to Avert Monsoon Flooding

Residents of Tharuvaikulam have formally requested intervention from district authorities to clear obstructions in a local stream that they say poses a serious flooding risk during monsoon season. The Kamarajar Welfare Association presented their concerns at a weekly public grievance session on Monday at the Thoothukudi district collectorate.

According to the petition submitted to District Revenue Officer M. Guruchandran, invasive Prosopis juliflora trees have overtaken portions of the waterway near Samathuvapuram. The situation has been compounded by accumulated wastewater from nearby fish processing facilities and sand deposits blocking the coastal estuary outlet.

The association warned that these obstructions prevent proper water drainage during monsoon rains, leading to flooding in residential areas of Tharuvaikulam. They are calling for immediate removal of the vegetation and sand barriers before the next rainy season begins.

During the same meeting, members of Gandhi and Panimalar widows' collectives submitted a separate petition addressing welfare concerns. They requested a comprehensive statewide survey of widows, an increase in the age eligibility limit to 55 years, and enhanced monthly assistance of ₹5,000. The group also advocated for housing support for homeless widows and legislation to protect against discrimination in various social and economic contexts.