Traffic congestion, pollution major issues in Haldi city

Called as Turmeric City, Textile City or Loom City, two-thirds of the areas in the Erode Corporation border fall under the Erode East constituency where projects are being developed under the Smart City Mission.

Weekly animal husbandry, textile shops, power looms and turmeric processing activities at EKM Abdul Gani Textile Market, Karnailapalayam keep the city busy.

However, pollution in river Kaveri and Kalingarayan canal is a major concern for residents and farmers. The corporation employs 297 bleaching units, 171 dyeing units and 37 tanneries units, which have several individual waste treatment plants. However, illegal inspections of wastes continue in the river and canal despite inspection by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials.

Also, 40 MLD sewage generated across the corporation boundary goes directly into the river and canal every day as the Corporation’s Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) is not yet completed. Demand for installation of common waste treatment plants remains to be met.

Textile manufacturers were seeking a research and training institute to develop innovative products and explore new talent.

Traffic congestion on arterial roads, absence of flyovers on Mettur Road, slow pace of implementation of UGSS, re-laying of damaged roads and absence of parking space in market areas are the major issues. There has been a long-standing demand for setting up integrated parks for textile and turmeric, language training centers and generating employment opportunities for the youth.

KS Thenarasu of AIADMK is the MLA. M. of Tamil Manila Congress Yuvraj and Thirumagan Ava of Congress are ready to face each other in the assembly elections. While Mr Yuvraj, who is contesting the symbol of two leaves, banks on AIADMK’s promise of welfare measures and development, Thirumagan Ava, son of former Union Minister EVKS Elangovan, to solve the pollution and traffic crisis in the city . AMR Rajkumar of Makkal Nidi Mayim is also in the fray.