VKV Avenue Residents near Chinna Thadagam to Hold Human Chain Protest Over Waterlogged Roads

Coimbatore: For residents of VKV Avenue, Phase 9, Somaiyanur, in Chinna Thadagam, Coimbatore, every spell of heavy rain has become a nightmare, with inundated roads making even routine movement a struggle. With the roads already in a battered condition, rainfall only worsens their plight, residents say, alleging that repeated appeals for relief have failed to produce a lasting solution.

After enduring damaged and waterlogged roads for nearly four years, residents say they have exhausted multiple avenues to resolve the issue. Despite repeated petitions, official inspections and assurances of action, the civic problem remains unaddressed, prompting the VKV Avenue, Phase 9 Residential Welfare Association to announce a human chain protest on October 18.

The decision follows a response received from the Chief Minister's Special Cell that residents say has only deepened their frustration. Dilip Kumar, secretary of the VKV Avenue, Phase 9 Residential Welfare Association, received a communication dated October 1, 2026, in reply to a petition submitted seeking proper roads and rainwater drainage facilities in the area.

According to the official response from the Joint Director/Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), installing a drainage channel was deemed unfeasible since individual houses in the locality already have soak pits. The estimated cost of laying roads was put at approximately Rs. 48 lakh, but authorities stated the work could not be taken up this financial year due to a lack of adequate funds in the panchayat. The work would instead be prioritised for the next financial year's plan.

For residents, the response has meant yet another delay rather than a concrete solution. They fear that waiting until the next financial year will leave them exposed to the same flooding conditions through another rainy season.

The association's protest notice, dated October 10, details the severity of the situation in VKV Avenue, Phase 9, and adjoining residential areas. The absence of properly laid roads and an effective drainage system has resulted in water accumulating to a depth of nearly 24 inches during heavy rainfall, affecting access to homes and making commuting along the residential stretches extremely difficult.

Residents have also flagged safety concerns, warning that the waterlogged conditions pose a risk of electrical leakage. Stagnant water has further raised fears over reptiles, including snakes, entering residential premises. School-going children and other residents are among those affected, struggling to navigate the inundated roads to reach the main road and access essential services.

Dilip Kumar said the problem has persisted despite repeated representations to the authorities and several visits by officials to inspect the locality. Residents have raised the issue during nearly four Gram Sabha meetings and submitted petitions to various committees, departments and authorities, hoping for a permanent remedy. However, they allege that inspections have repeatedly been followed by assurances and timelines that have not translated into completed work.

Dilip Kumar further stated that an inspection was conducted by an Assistant Engineer (AE) on October 7, during which residents were given a timeline of four months to address the issue. Residents, however, remain apprehensive that another timeline will only prolong their suffering, given the repeated delays they say they have faced over the past four years.

With their pleas yet to yield a lasting solution, residents have decided to organise a human chain protest to draw the attention of the district administration and concerned departments to their plight. The demonstration is scheduled for October 18, 2026, from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm, at the VKV Avenue, Phase 9 arch and the adjoining main road stretch.

The association has submitted a letter to the Inspector of Police, Chinnathadagam Police Station, seeking permission to conduct the protest peacefully. Through the demonstration, residents hope to press the authorities for proper concrete roads, an effective rainwater drainage system and a time-bound solution to the recurring waterlogging.